A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Carbon Dioxide
Test CodeCPT Codes
82374
Preferred Specimen
Serum (gold top) tube
Minimum Volume
Other Acceptable Specimens
Transport Container
Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube
Transport Temperature
Specimen Stability
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Methodology
Colorimetric
Setup Schedule
Daily upon receipt
Report Available
Reference Range
Birth - 1 Month: 17 - 24 mmol/L
1 Month - 2 Years: 20 - 28 mmol/L
2 Years - Adult: 22 - 30 mmol/L
Clinical Significance
The carbonic acid–bicarbonate buffer system is one of the important buffer systems that maintains the pH of the blood. Total CO2 (i.e., bicarbonate plus dissolved CO2) measurements are used together with other clinical and laboratory information (arterial pH and pCO2) for the evaluation of acid-base disorders. Total CO2 is generally increased in respiratory acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, and excessive alkali intake. CO2 is decreased in compensated respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, and in renal disorders where H+ ions cannot be excreted.