What is the process called that assesses blood to determine the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide?

The process that assesses blood to determine the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide is known as blood gas analysis. This assessment is crucial in evaluating a patient's respiratory and metabolic status, as it provides essential information regarding how well the lungs are functioning in oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide. By measuring the partial pressures of these gases, along with pH levels, healthcare professionals can diagnose conditions such as respiratory distress, acid-base imbalances, and various other health issues related to the lungs and overall metabolism.

In contrast, cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions, not for assessing blood gas levels. Chronic inflammation refers to a prolonged inflammatory response in the body, and cerebral palsy is a neurological condition affecting movement and coordination, neither of which pertain to the analysis of blood gas concentrations. Thus, blood gas analysis is the specific term that accurately describes the assessment process being queried.