Shunt Study
A shunt study is a procedure to determine if a patient has a lack of response to supplemental oxygen, indicating a shunt problem.
Performing the test
- You will sit in a comfortable chair on a mouthpiece wearing noseclips.
- You will breathe normally on the mouthpiece for approximately 20 minutes breathing 100 percent oxygen.
- An arterial blood gas will be taken from your wrist to be analyzed immediately.
- You may then be asked to breathe rapidly on the mouthpiece while a second blood gas sample is taken.
A technologist will instruct you on how to perform the test and coach and encourage you to do your best.
