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Test Code CO2 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) LAB55

Performing Laboratory

UnityPoint The Finley Hospital

Test Method

Enzymatic; Roche cobas Pro

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the laboratory.

STAT: Typically completed within 30 minutes after the specimen arrives at the laboratory.

Specimen Requirement

  1. Lithium heparin plasma (Green) is the specimen of choice. 500μL.
  2. Serum (Red/Gold) is also acceptable. 
  3. It is recommended that the serum or plasma be separated from contact with cells within 2 hours from time of collection.
  4. CO2 specimens are stable for 40 hours at 15-25°C and 7 days at 2-8°C.

Useful For

Bicarbonate is the second largest fraction of the anions in plasma. Included in this fraction are the bicarbonate (HCO3 - ) and carbonate (CO3 2-) ions, as well as the carbamino compounds. The 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 the respiratory and metabolic systems.

Reference Values

Serum or plasma: 22-29 mmol/L

Critical values: < 10 or > 40 mmol/L.

CPT Code Information

82374 Chemistry: Carbon dioxide (bicarbonate)

LOINC Code Information

2028-9 Carbon Dioxide, Total [Moles/Volume] In Serum Or
Plasma