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CO2 is carbon dioxide. This article discusses the laboratory test to measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum.
In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.
See also: Blood gases
Alternative NamesBicarbonate test; HCO3-; Carbon dioxide test; TCO2; Total CO2; CO2 test - serum
How the test is performedBlood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
How to prepare for the testYour health care provider may tell you to stop taking any drugs that may affect test results. Corticosteroids and excessive use of antacids can increase bicarbonate levels.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThe CO2 test is most often done as part of an electrolyte or basic metabolic panel. Changes in your CO2 level may suggest that you are losing or retaining fluid, which causes an imbalance in your body's electrolytes.
CO2 levels in the blood are influenced by kidney and lung function. The kidneys are mainly responsible for maintaining the normal bicarbonate levels.
Normal ValuesThe normal range is 20-29 mEq/L (milliequivalent per liter).
What abnormal results meanLower-than-normal levels may be due to:
- Addison disease
- Diarrhea
- Ethylene glycol poisoning
- Ketoacidosis
- Kidney disease
- Lactic acidosis
- Metabolic acidosis
- Methanol poisoning
- Salicylate toxicity (such as aspirin overdose)
Higher-than-normal levels may be due to:
- Breathing disorders
- Cushing syndrome
- Excessive vomiting
- Hyperaldosteronism
The following conditions may also alter bicarbonate levels:
What the risks areVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 119.
What else can I help you with?
High CO2 Count in a blood test?
at a co2 of 100 or so the person will be confused and sleepy. The lungs taking in the oxygen are not exhaling forcefully enough to expel the co2. This is usually due to lung problems such as COPD
What is a chem 8 blood test?
sodium (Na+) [2] potassium (K+) [3] chloride (Cl−) [4] bicarbonate (HCO3−) or CO2 [5] blood urea nitrogen (BUN) [6] creatinine [7] glucose [8] Calcium (Ca2+)
Is the CO2 in blood considered acidic or basic?
The CO2 in blood is considered acidic.
Which form of CO2 transport accounts for the least amount of CO2 transported in blood?
Physically dissolved CO2 accounts for the least amount of CO2 transported in blood. The majority of CO2 is carried in the blood as bicarbonate ions and carbaminohemoglobin.
What should your co2 on a blood test?
A normal range for CO2 levels in a blood test is typically between 23 and 29 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). This measurement helps evaluate the body's acid-base balance and kidney function. Abnormal levels may indicate conditions such as respiratory or metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.
What effect does hemolysis have on CO2 values?
Hemolysis can falsely increase CO2 values in blood samples because red blood cells release CO2 when they are broken down. This can interfere with accurate measurement of CO2 levels in the blood. It is important to differentiate between true changes in CO2 levels and those caused by hemolysis when interpreting test results.
What is the standard test for CO2?
The standard test for measuring CO2 levels in the blood is called arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. This test involves collecting a sample of arterial blood, usually from the radial artery in the wrist, and analyzing it for various parameters including CO2 levels. ABG analysis provides important information on the body's acid-base balance and respiratory function.
High CO2 Count in a blood test?
at a co2 of 100 or so the person will be confused and sleepy. The lungs taking in the oxygen are not exhaling forcefully enough to expel the co2. This is usually due to lung problems such as COPD
What is a bmp blood test?
BMP blood test or Basic Metabolic Panel blood test comprises a set of tests that throw light on the functioning of a person's kidneys, blood sugar, calcium, electrolyte and acid/base levels. BMP blood test comprises testing for: Glucose,Calcium,Sodium, Potassium, CO2 (carbon dioxide, bicarbonate) and Chloride.
Is the CO2 in blood considered acidic or basic?
The CO2 in blood is considered acidic.
What is a chem 8 blood test?
sodium (Na+) [2] potassium (K+) [3] chloride (Cl−) [4] bicarbonate (HCO3−) or CO2 [5] blood urea nitrogen (BUN) [6] creatinine [7] glucose [8] Calcium (Ca2+)
Which form of CO2 transport accounts for the least amount of CO2 transported in blood?
Physically dissolved CO2 accounts for the least amount of CO2 transported in blood. The majority of CO2 is carried in the blood as bicarbonate ions and carbaminohemoglobin.
What is ECO2 blood test?
The ECO2 blood test measures the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, which is crucial for assessing respiratory function and metabolic status. It helps evaluate a patient's acid-base balance and can indicate conditions such as respiratory failure or metabolic disorders. By analyzing CO2 levels alongside other blood gas parameters, healthcare providers can better understand a patient's respiratory and metabolic health.
What should your co2 on a blood test?
A normal range for CO2 levels in a blood test is typically between 23 and 29 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). This measurement helps evaluate the body's acid-base balance and kidney function. Abnormal levels may indicate conditions such as respiratory or metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.
Place where blood changes from low CO2 to high CO2?
The blood changes from low CO2 to high CO2 in the tissues where oxygen is delivered and CO2 is produced as a byproduct of cellular metabolism.
What happens when you have dirty blood?
it is blood that has co2
Does hyperventilation raise or lower blood sugar blood CO2 concentration?
does nothing to blood sugar, and lowers co2 to almost nothing.
