The full form of ABG is Arterial Blood Gas

An arterial blood gas (ABG) test measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood. It also measures your body’s acid-base (pH) level, which is usually in balance when you’re healthy.

You may get this test if you’re in the hospital or if you have a serious injury or illness.

The test gives your doctor clues about how well your lungs, heart, and kidneys are working. You’ll probably get other tests along with it.

Every cell in your body needs oxygen to live. When you breathe in (inhale) and breathe out (exhale), your lungs move oxygen into your blood and push carbon dioxide out. That process, called gas exchange, provides the oxygen we (and all of our cells) need to survive.

If you are having a hard time breathing, your doctor may use an arterial blood gas (ABG) test to help figure out what the problem is.