Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Plasma or Serum

Test Code

CO2 - NOCO

CPT Codes
82374

Includes

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

Preferred Specimen

1 mL Plasma Green top (Lithium Heparin)

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

1 mL serum from SST or Red Top

Specimen Stability

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

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Gross hemolysis

Methodology

Setup Schedule

Monday through Sunday; Continuously

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

Refer to the Chemistry Reference Range and Critical Results documents in the Resources file on the facility test directory page.

Clinical Significance

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.

Performing Laboratory
Banner Fort Collins Medical Center Laboratory
North Colorado Medical Center Laboratory

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.