Arterial blood sampling is the collection of blood from an artery via an arterial puncture to measure arterial blood gases (ABGs) and other blood components (Kim [117], Pagana and Pagana [177]).

ABGs are more difficult to undertake in comparison to venepuncture. The radial artery in the wrist is the artery most often used for intermittent or infrequent sampling. An ABG sample may also be drawn from the brachial or femoral artery provided the healthcare practitioner is trained to do so. The brachial and femoral arteries do not have adequate collateral supplies and are not routinely used for sampling. A pulse is felt by pressing on the area above an artery. If blood is drawn at the wrist, the healthcare provider will usually check the pulse to make sure blood is flowing into the hand from the radial and ulnar arteries in the forearm (Kim [117], Pagana and Pagana [177]). If frequent sampling is required, an intra‐arterial cannula is normally inserted (Keogh [114], Osborne [174], Pagana and Pagana [177]).