What type of test draws blood from an artery to assess lung function?

The arterial blood gas test (ABG) is specifically designed to measure various parameters of blood drawn from an artery, providing critical information about lung function and the ability to exchange gases effectively. During this test, blood is typically collected from the radial artery in the wrist or the femoral artery in the groin, allowing for direct assessment of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood, as well as the blood's pH level.

This test is a vital tool in diagnosing and managing conditions that affect lung function, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses. The results from an ABG can help healthcare providers determine how well the lungs are functioning in terms of gas exchange, guiding treatment decisions.

Other options like a venous blood gas test and complete blood count do not provide the same direct insights into respiratory function since they involve blood drawn from veins and measure different parameters. The oxygen saturation test, while useful for determining how well oxygen is being carried in the blood, does not assess carbon dioxide levels or blood pH, which are also crucial for evaluating lung function.