Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following arterial blood gas-related questions:

1. Why do I need to receive an arterial blood gas test?
   
   
2. Why is it necessary to draw blood? Is it painful?
   
   
3. Are there any risks or complications I might be exposed to?
   
   
4. What are you expecting to find with this test?
   
   
5. What are the chances of my test being inconclusive?
   
   
6. Will I need follow-up testing?
   
   
7. I'm currently taking antibiotics. Should I still have this test done?
   
   
8. How long will I have to wait for the test results?
   
   
9. Could pregnancy affect my test results?