why are abgs done
Why It Is Done. An arterial blood gas (ABG) test is done to: 1  Check for severe breathing problems and lung diseases, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) .2  See how well treatment for lung diseases is working.3  Find out if you need extra oxygen or help with breathing (mechanical ventilation).n arterial blood gas (ABG) test is done to: 1  Check for severe breathing problems and lung diseases, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) .