Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Test
Test Overview
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gaseous waste product from metabolism, Opens dialog. The blood carries carbon dioxide to your lungs, where it is exhaled. More than 90% of it in your blood exists in the form of bicarbonate (HCO3). The rest of it is either dissolved carbon dioxide gas (CO2) or carbonic acid (H2CO3). Your kidneys and lungs balance the levels of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, and carbonic acid in the blood.
This test measures the level of bicarbonate in a sample of blood from a vein. Bicarbonate is a chemical that acts as a buffer. It keeps the pH, Opens dialog of blood from becoming too acidic or too basic.
Bicarbonate is not usually tested by itself. The test may be done on a blood sample taken from a vein as part of a panel of tests that looks at other electrolytes, Opens dialog. These may include items such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. It can also be done as part of an arterial blood gas (ABG), Opens dialog test. For this blood gas study, the blood sample comes from an artery.
CO2 testing is often done as part of a group of blood tests (chemistry screen) to help find the cause of many kinds of symptoms. These causes may include many kidney diseases, some lung diseases, and metabolic problems.
- A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
How long the test takes
The test will take a few minutes.
When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.
There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.
Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.
High values
A high level may be caused by:
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea.
- Starvation.
- Overuse of medicines that contain bicarbonate (especially antacids).
- Lung, liver, or thyroid disease.
Low values
A low level may be caused by:
- Hyperventilation., Opens dialog
- Aspirin or alcohol overdose.
- Severe diarrhea, dehydration, or malnutrition.
- Liver or kidney disease.
- Uncontrolled diabetes, Opens dialog.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.