Which of the following is a correct practice for handling arterial blood gas samples?

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Preserving the gas content of an arterial blood sample requires both preventing air from touching the blood and stopping clotting. Drawing into a syringe that contains heparin keeps the sample from clotting, which could distort the composition, and sealing it prevents air exchange. Air exposure would alter oxygen and carbon dioxide levels as gases diffuse between the blood and the atmosphere, leading to inaccurate pO2, pCO2, and pH readings. Storing at room temperature for hours allows ongoing cellular metabolism to change gas tensions and pH, further skewing results. Using a non-heparinized syringe increases the risk of clot formation, which compromises analysis. So keeping the sample sealed in a heparinized syringe best maintains the integrity of arterial blood gas measurements.