title: Best evidence topic report. Diagnostic utility of arterial blood gases for investigation of pulmonary embolus.
abstract: A short cut review was carried out to establish the diagnostic utility of arterial blood gas analysis in patients with suspected pulmonary embolus. Altogether 459 papers were found using the reported search, of which six presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.
authors.forename: Margartet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maloba
authors.forename: Kerstin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hogg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography