Test Code 1024
Test Details
CO2
Bicarbonate is an electrolyte used by the body to maintain acid/base balance. (pH). Measures the most prevalent form of total carbon dioxide in the blood which is bicarbonate.
Methodology
Enzymatic using phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC)
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST/Tiger Top)
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 7 days
Lab Values
CO2
- Low: <20 mmol/L
- Normal: 20-31 mmol/L
- High: >31 mmol/L
- Alert: ≤10 or ≥40 mmol/L
Clinical Significance
CO2
- Elevated levels of CO2 can indicate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, or pneumonia, hypertension, metabolic alkalosis.
- Low levels can indicate cirrhosis or liver failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, metabolic or respiratory acidosis, kidney disease, or aspirin overdose.
Treatment Options
CO2
- Assess etiology of elevation such as dehydration, vomiting, medications, and kidney problems that may lead to abnormal electrolyte imbalance
- Some drugs may increase bicarbonate levels including fludrocortisone, barbiturates, bicarbonates, hydrocortisone, loop diuretics, and steroids.
- Drugs that may decrease bicarbonate levels include methicillin, nitrofurantoin, tetracycline, thiazide diuretics, and triamterene
