Carbon Dioxide

Message

Performed in Chemistry

Test Code

CO2

Alias/See Also

Bicarbonate

CPT Codes
82374

Preferred Specimen

Green Top LiHep, Plasma
WyMCC - SST

Other Acceptable Specimens

Gold/SST, Red Top

Specimen Stability

Refrigerated 7 days
Frozen 6 months

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

Collected in an outdated/expired tube
Hemolysis, icteric or lipemic
Contaminated

FDA Status
FDA Approved

Setup Schedule

Daily, Sunday through Saturday

Report Available

Less than 4 hours

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.

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.