Air or gas bubble in the blood

Range: 0.075‑0. The lower the better.

Air embolisms are blockages in the bloodstream caused by air or gas bubbles. These bubbles can enter the bloodstream during surgery or other procedures. They commonly occur when tubes (such as central venous catheters) are inserted or removed from large veins. Symptoms of an air embolism are similar to those of a stroke or heart attack. Hospital staff should be trained in proper procedures for inserting and removing catheters and other tubes, for removing air from syringes before giving injections, and for closely monitoring patients during and after surgery.