Peripheral venous blood gas analysis versus arterial blood gas analysis for the diagnosis of respiratory failure and metabolic disturbance in adults

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Diagnostic test accuracy). The objectives are as follows: The primary focus of this review is to determine the accuracy of peripheral venous blood gas (PVBG) analysis for diagnosing respiratory failure (RF) or metabolic disturbance (MD) of any type, as demonstrated by abnormalities in tissue pO(2), pCO(2), pH and HCO(3).