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Carbon Dioxide

3017

cpt

normal turn-around time

assays included

specimen type

minimum required

CO2

82374

24 hours

CO2

Serum or Plasma

1 mL of serum or heparinized plasma

collection instructions

  • Collect blood in a serum separator tube (SST) or a lithium or sodium heparin tube.

  • Allow the blood to clot at room temperature for 30 minutes if using an SST.

  • Centrifuge and separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection.

  • Transport the specimen at 2-8°C if not tested within 2 hours.

collection instructions

  • Hemolysis: Red blood cell destruction can falsely increase glucose levels.

  • Improper Labeling: Specimen must be labeled with at least two patient identifiers.

  • Insufficient Quantity: Volume less than 1 mL may not be sufficient for accurate testing.

  • Lipemia: Excessive fat in the blood can interfere with certain test results.

clinical significance

The Carbon Dioxide (CO2) test measures the total amount of carbon dioxide in the blood, which is an important component of the body's acid-base balance. The CO2 level is used to help evaluate and monitor electrolyte imbalances and acid-base disorders. Abnormal levels can indicate conditions such as metabolic alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, respiratory disorders, kidney disease, and other health conditions affecting the
body's acid-base balance.

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