Central to implementing therapies to reverse or mitigate a state of<unk>  is an accurate diagnosis of the condition. Correctly diagnosing<unk>  requires a screening to determine the amount of gas in the patient's bloodstream. Two different tests are available for clinical diagnosis. Testing and monitoring blood gas levels requires one of the following diagnostic procedures: * Pulse oximetry For this test, a small sensor is attached to the patient's finger or ear. The sensor uses light to estimate how much oxygen is in the blood. A pulse oximeter works by beaming red and infrared light through capillaries. The amount of red and infrared light transmitted provides an approximate measure of oxygen in the blood. The oximeter reading is based on the color of the blood: oxygenated blood is a brighter red than deoxygenated blood, which appears as bluish purple. * Arterial blood gas test (ABG) This test measures the precise levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. A blood sample is drawn from an artery, typically in the wrist. A laboratory then processes the blood sample to determine oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. Assessing and monitoring blood gas levels is the most accurate means to identify a state of<unk>  in patients. ABG testing does however require an arterial blood sample, which is more invasive and uncomfortable for patients than a pulse oximetry reading that uses a reading based on light and color. Recognition and intervention The importance of diagnosing<unk>  is that with earlier diagnosis and treatment progression to<unk>  failure may be prevented. Enhanced monitoring techniques and specific therapies may prevent progression of<unk>  to<unk>  failure and possible death.
Respiratory compromise
Sleep paralysis
Sedation
Respiratory arrest
Respiratory failure
Apnea
Inert gas asphyxiation
Pulmonary toxicity