Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in Blood
Explanation
Carbon dioxide (CO2) on a routine venous chemistry panel mainly reflects bicarbonate, which helps balance acidic and alkaline substances in the blood and maintain fluid balance.
What does routine blood CO2 measure?
On an electrolyte or metabolic panel, total carbon dioxide, written as CO2, is usually measured in blood from a vein. Most of this value is bicarbonate, a substance that helps keep acidic and alkaline substances in the blood in balance.
Why is the test ordered?
The result can contribute to assessment of fluid and acid-base balance. It may be considered with other results when kidney, lung, liver, or medicine-related effects are being investigated. An abnormal value does not identify a diagnosis by itself.
Is this the same as CO2 on an arterial blood gas?
No. An arterial blood gas, often shortened to ABG, uses blood from an artery and directly measures the carbon dioxide pressure called PaCO2, along with oxygen-related values. A routine venous total CO2 result mainly reflects bicarbonate. The specimen and measurement are different, so the results are not interchangeable.
How should the result be read?
Interpretation depends on whether the report shows venous total CO2 or arterial PaCO2, the laboratory range, symptoms, medicines, and other electrolyte or blood-gas results.
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