iStat blood gases in NICU

We use the ISTAT. It depends on the type of the syringe. For plain syringes, we only require the amount needed to test. For those that contain heparin, the syringe must be filled at least to the 0.25 mark (1 cc syringe). The manufacturer of the syringe stated that was the minimum fill to properly balance with the heparin.

Thanks Debra. Would you be able to tell me which syringe you use? Much appreciated!

For our NICU we use capillary tubes 99% of the time on the Istat.  If they have to send a sample to the lab they will do a syringe and min is 0.5ml for ABG.