Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Plasma or Serum

CO2 - NOCO

Note: This test is included in BMP-Basic Metabolic Panel, CMP-Comprehensive Metabolic Panel and RFP-Renal Function Panel.

1 mL Plasma Green top (Lithium Heparin)

0.5 mL
Note: For neonate requirements see Neonate Minimum Blood Volumes

1 mL serum from SST or Red Top

Temperature	Time
Ambient	40 hours, 4 hours cap open
Refrigerated	5 days
Frozen	6 months

 

Gross hemolysis

Monday through Sunday; Continuously

Same day

Summit View
           0-31 days: 13-29 mmol/L
           >31 days: 21-32 mmol/L
           Critical value (automatic call-back): <11 or >40 mmol/L

McKee, BFCMC, & NCMC
            0-31 days: 13 – 29 mmol/L
            1 month – 11 years: 20 – 28 mmol/L
            11-91 years: 19 – 31 mmol/L
            91 – 150 years: 20 – 29 mmol/L
           Critical value (automatic call-back): <11 or >40 mmol/L

Bicarbonate is the second largest fraction of anions in plasma. Included in this fraction are bicarbonate (HCO3 - ) and carbonate (CO3 2-) ions, as well as the carbamino compounds. At physiological pH of blood, concentration of carbonate is 1/1000 that of bicarbonate. Carbamino compounds are also present in such low quantities that they are generally not mentioned specifically. Bicarbonate content of serum or plasma is a significant indicator of electrolyte dispersion and anion deficit. Together with pH determination, bicarbonate measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous potentially serious disorders associated with acid-base imbalance in respiratory and metabolic systems.