Question:
What is an ABG test and how long does smoke stay in your system?

   — Sheila S. (posted on August 13, 2001)

August 13, 2001
an ABG is an "arterial blood gas" test. It measures things like the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood. The more carbon dioxide, the less oxygen your blood can carry. They stick a needle in the artery near your wrist (usually). Sometimes it hurts like hell if the person doesn't know what they are doing, but if you get someone experienced with ABG, it doesn't have to hurt at all. As for how long smoke stays in your system, I'm not sure exactly what you're asking, but I assume you mean can they tell from an ABG that you've been smoking? The answer is yes, probably. Since smoking will raise your CO2 levels.
   — Maria H.

August 13, 2001
As to how long smoke (carbon monoxide) stays in your system: "The half- life of CO breathing ambient air is about 6 hours, so 24 hours after smoking cessation the CO level should be normal, i.e., less than 2.5%."
   — blank first name B.