Validation of blood gas analysis in arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis

Introduction Arterial blood gas analysis is a minimally invasive technique used in our daily practice but is not a complication free technique. The aim of this study was to validate results from blood gas analysis obtained from the arteriovenous fistula (AVF)/graft as a surrogate marker of the arterial blood gas analysis. Methods A prospective observational study was made in 45 patients. We performed arterial and AVF/graft blood gas analysis and results were compared by a paired sample t Student test. Results Most of our subjects was male (68.9%) and the mean age was 67 years (+/- 14). Hemodialysis vintage was 63 months (+/- 66), and vascular access age was 62 months (+/- 56). The more prevalent vascular access was left radiocephalic AVF (n = 16; 35.6%) and the main puncture artery was right radial artery (n = 27; 60.0%). There were no statistically significant differences between the samples collected. Conclusions Our results suggest a possible alternative of arterial blood gas analysis in AVF/graft for hemodialysis patients. This could result in making an uncomfortable procedure almost painless and reducing complications. Future research should take place to include anatomical characteristics of the AVF or the circulation of recirculation.