Which artery is the artery of choice for arterial blood gas collection?

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When obtaining arterial blood gases, you want an artery that is easy to find, quick to puncture, and simple to control bleeding from. The radial artery at the wrist fits best because it’s just beneath the skin, its pulse is easy to feel, and the puncture site is highly compressible, which helps minimize bleeding and hematoma after the draw.

Before using the radial site, the Allen test is usually performed to ensure the hand will stay well perfused if the radial artery is occluded or punctured. This tests whether the ulnar artery can sufficiently supply blood to the hand, providing a safety check in case complications arise.

Other sites are less favorable for routine ABG collection. The brachial artery near the elbow is deeper and closer to the median nerve, increasing the risk of nerve injury and more difficult compression. The femoral artery, located in the groin, carries higher risks of infection, bleeding, and complications, and is less comfortable for patients. The ulnar artery can be used when radial access isn’t possible, but it’s less superficial and reliable for routine sampling.

So the radial artery is the artery of choice because it combines accessibility, safety, and ease of compression, with collateral circulation confirmed by the Allen test.