Which artery is commonly used for arterial blood gas collections?

The radial artery is commonly used for arterial blood gas collections due to several key reasons. It is located just beneath the skin on the wrist's thumb side, making it easily accessible for sampling. Additionally, the radial artery is often assessed for its collateral circulation, which signifies that if there is accidental damage or complications during puncture, other blood supplies can help maintain adequate blood flow to the hand.

The radial artery is one of the most favored sites for this procedure because it often provides a good quality sample and has a relatively low risk profile compared to other arterial sampling sites. While the brachial artery, carotid artery, and femoral artery are also arteries that could be used for blood gas collection, they have associated risks that make them less desirable; for example, they are deeper and have a higher risk of complications, such as nerve damage or excessive bleeding.