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An arterial blood gas syringe (also called a blood gas syringe) is a single-use syringe made to collect an arterial whole-blood sample, either by arterial puncture or from an arterial catheter, and carry it to a blood gas analyzer. It is used by clinicians, respiratory therapists and critical-care staff, and bought by the clinics and laboratories that supply them.
What an arterial blood gas syringe is
The sample is tested on a blood gas analyzer. In US regulation, a blood gases (PCO2, PO2) and blood pH test system is a device intended to measure gases in blood, serum or plasma, or the pH of those fluids; the results are used in the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening acid-base disturbances. 21 CFR 862.1120 classifies that test system as Class II (read 2026-11-08). The syringe is the collection device in front of that system, so a site should use a syringe that its manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU) and the analyzer’s requirements allow. For the analyzer itself, see what a blood gas analyzer is and the i-STAT point-of-care system.
How it is built
Manufacturer pages describe similar core features, with product-specific variations:
- Dry anticoagulant coating. BD describes its blood-gas syringes as spray coated with calcium-balanced lithium heparin. ICU Medical describes the Pro-Vent Plus 3 mL as containing calcium-neutralized dry lithium heparin at approximately 23.5 IU per mL. Each product’s IFU states its own amount. The dry-versus-liquid distinction is covered in heparinized syringe.
- Air venting. BD describes a venting system that expels residual air through a self-venting membrane. ICU Medical describes large venting filter media and a Filter-Pro device for removing air bubbles without bloodborne-pathogen exposure.
- Preset or positive-stop plunger. BD notes the plunger can be preset to a volume while still permitting aspiration; ICU Medical lists a positive stop on its 3 mL plunger.
- Safety needles. ICU Medical lists Needle-Pro and Point-Lok safety devices.
Types and variants
| Type | Intended use stated by manufacturer | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| BD Vacutainer Preset Eclipse | Collection of whole blood specimens via arterial puncture (BD) | Used with the Eclipse needle |
| BD Vacutainer Preset | Collection of whole blood specimens via indwelling catheter (BD) | Offered with and without a pre-attached Eclipse needle |
| BD Vacutainer A-Line | Arterial blood collection through manual aspiration from a catheter (BD) | Collection by manual aspiration |
| ICU Medical Pro-Vent Plus (3 mL) | Arterial blood sampling (ICU Medical) | Dry lithium heparin; Luer lock or slip depending on SKU; venting filter and positive stop |
Arterial puncture and catheter draw are different collection routes, so the route a clinical protocol uses decides which design family applies. For catheter background see arterial line tubing and arterial line vs central line.
Sizes and specifications that are published
| Specification | Pro-Vent Plus 3 mL (ICU Medical) |
|---|---|
| Syringe volume | 3 mL |
| Pre-attached needle | 22 g or 23 g, 1 inch |
| Tip | Luer lock or slip, depending on SKU |
| Anticoagulant | Calcium-neutralized dry lithium heparin, approx. 23.5 IU per mL |
Needle gauge and hub colour conventions are explained in heparin syringe needle size. Other manufacturers publish their own volumes, tips and heparin amounts, so compare against the IFU of the specific product.
What is in an arterial blood gas kit
ICU Medical lists several kit formats for its arterial sampling syringes:
- Full Support kit: alcohol pad, povidone-iodine pad, 2×2 gauze, patient label, biohazard bag and adhesive bandage.
- Partial Support kit: alcohol pad, gauze, label and biohazard bag.
- Strip kits: offered as a further format.
How to choose
Only criteria stated by the sources apply: match the design to the collection route the manufacturer names (arterial puncture versus catheter), confirm the analytes the manufacturer lists for the syringe (BD lists pO2, pCO2, pH, electrolytes, glucose, lactate, hemoglobin and hematocrit among others), and confirm compatibility with the analyzer in the IFU.
Safe use and handling basics
These syringes are single-use. Sample handling, labelling and disposal follow the product IFU and the facility’s sharps and bloodborne-pathogen policies. BD’s IFU is titled “BD Vacutainer Preset and A-Line Arterial Blood Collection Syringe Instructions For Use”; read the IFU for the exact product in use.
Common mistakes
- Treating any heparinized syringe as interchangeable with a purpose-made blood gas syringe; the IFU defines the intended use.
- Assuming all products carry the same heparin amount; each product states its own.
- Mixing up puncture-type and catheter-type designs when ordering.
FAQ
Is a blood gas syringe the same as a heparinized syringe?
A blood gas syringe is heparinized, but “heparinized syringe” describes only the anticoagulant coating. The blood gas syringe is the finished device built for arterial sampling and analyzer testing, with features such as venting and a positive stop.
Is “syringe blood gas” a different product?
No. “Syringe blood gas” and “blood gas syringe” refer to the same product class.
Does it include the needle?
It depends on the product: BD offers its Preset syringe with and without a pre-attached Eclipse needle, and ICU Medical lists a pre-attached 22 g or 23 g, 1 inch needle on the Pro-Vent Plus 3 mL.
Sources
- 21 CFR 862.1120, Blood gases (PCO2, PO2) and blood pH test system: law.cornell.edu (read 2026-11-08).
- BD critical care blood collection product family: bd.com (read 2026-11-08).
- ICU Medical Pro-Vent Plus Dry Lithium Heparin 3 mL: icumed.com (read 2026-11-08).
