ARTP Certificate of Competence in Blood Gas Sampling and Analysis

In recent years the number of health care professionals, other than doctors, taking blood gas samples, either by arterialised capillary or arterial sample, has gradually increased. Although nationally agreed standards have been published for the performance of arterial sampling and analysis, staff performing these tests are not always aware of the standards or the competencies to which they should be working. Staff are often not formally trained in the procedure and have not been assessed in the practical competences and skills frequently fall way below the acceptable standard. It is vitally important that all blood gas sampling and analysis is performed to recognised standards to ensure accurate and reliable results.

To ensure that patients are appropriately investigated and monitored the Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology (ARTP) have developed a Certificate of Competence to demonstrate the proficiency of practitioners to perform such measurements.

The ARTP Certificate of Competence in Blood Gas Sampling and Analysis has been introduced to demonstrate a recognised standard for those practitioners who complete the Blood Gas Certificate program.

Aim and format of the program:

To provide a competence based assessment for the measurement of blood gases by arterial/arterialised capillary samples

• Portfolio of evidence

• Log book

On registration for the Certificate, you will be sent your registration number and guidelines for completion of the portfolio and logbook.

When the logbook and portfolio have been completed, they should be submitted to the ARTP Administrator will arrange for them to be assessed. Extensions will only be granted under serious circumstances and must be made at least 4 weeks before the submission date. Only one extension is allowed and candidates must apply to the Administrator in writing before a decision is made.

Completion of a short blood gas training course or evidence of appropriate work-based experience approved by the Assessment Committee is required before the blood gas programme can be undertaken.