ABG Eval: The Venerable Acid-Base iOS App by Dr Steinberg Now Available for Android

One of the most intimidating tasks for medical students and junior residents is interpreting arterial blood gases or ABGs on rounds. Whether performed for emergent reasons for rapid patient deterioration or to evaluate a patient’s potential improvement on BiPap or a ventilator, interpretation of ABG’s can cause even the most confident student or junior resident to get sweaty palms along with X-ray and EKG interpretation. Over the years, many facilities (usually ER’s) are using less painful and easier to obtain venous blood gases. With the advent of the smartphone, many developers have created acid-base apps. Previously here on iMedicalApps, we favorably reviewed eBloodGas , but were not fans of the Friendly Base Deficit app. Other ABG apps that I have used on my iPhone for years include ABG eval by Dr Joshua Steinberg, ABG, and Acid Plus. For years, Dr Steinberg’s apps were only available for iOS, but recently several of his new apps, as well as some older apps such as ABG eval, have been released on Android. Over the past 18 months, he has released many apps that I have reviewed here on iMedicalApps including PneumoVaccines, Depo Calendar, OB Wheels, Gout Diagnosis, Health Maintenance Visits , Contraception, and Step-by-Step Febrile Infant. Other useful point of care apps by Dr Steinberg include PreopEval14, PFT Eval, EFM Guide, PE & DVT Dx Tool, and my favorite, Pneumonia Guide.

The Android version of ABG Eval is the same as the iOS version (used in this review) though the graphics are somewhat improved in the Android version. ABG Eval not only helps to interpret acid-base status, but teaches the concepts along the way.

Clinical Scenario

You are the intern on the medical wards taking care of a 65 year old male with a worsening COPD exacerbation. You are concerned the patient may need rescue bi-level (BiPap) or even intubation. You order a STAT ABG and a set of electrolytes. The respiratory therapist hands you the results. You think you know how to interpret the information, but consult ABG Eval to see if it can help you with the interpretation. Let’s take a look at the app in action.

Video Review

Login to iMedicalApps in order to view the following video review of ABG Eval. Registration for iMedicalApps is free.

Evidence based medicine

ABG Eval teaches the basics as well as more advanced concepts of acid-base interpretation using reputable sources. The master algorithm the app uses is based on the work of Dr R.J. Haber which was adapted by Dr Erik Rupard and used with permission by Dr Steinberg as the basis for the app. Detailed references and instructions on the use of the app are included.

What providers would benefit from this App?

Students, residents, mid-levels, nurses, internal medicine, family medicine, emergency medicine physicians or anyone working in critical care medicine.

Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government.