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HelpTest Code LAB23 Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Total, Plasma or Serum
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Dioxide | LAB23 | CO2 |
Test Alias
CO2
Useful For/Utility
The determination of serum carbon dioxide total (CO2) in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory information is necessary for the evaluation of acid-base status. A high CO2 content may be observed in compensated respiratory acidosis and metabolic alkalosis. A low CO2 content may be observed in compensated respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis. Additional laboratory determinations will permit differentiation between metabolic and respiratory conditions
Methodology
PEP (Phospho(enol)pyruvate) Carboxylase
Clinical Information
Bicarbonate is the second largest fraction of the anions in plasma. Included in this fraction are the bicarbonate (HCO3[-]) and carbonate (CO3[-2]) ions, carbon dioxide in physical solution, as well as the carbamino compounds. At the physiological pH of blood, the concentration of carbonate is 1/1000 that of bicarbonate. The carbamino compounds are also present in such low quantities that they are generally not mentioned specifically.
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. Some of these conditions are diarrhea, renal tubular acidosis, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, hyperkalemic acidosis, renal failure, and ketoacidosis.
Specimen Requirements
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Plasma
Container/Tube: Light-green top (lithium heparin gel)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of draw.
2. If plunger filters are used, immediate removal of plasma is indicated unless an air gap can be created between the device and specimen.
Additional Information:
1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).
Alternate:
Specimen Type: Serum
Container/Tube: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Separate serum from cells within 2 hours of draw.
2. If plunger filters are used, immediate removal of serum is indicated unless an air gap can be created between the device and specimen.
Additional Information:
1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerate 5 days/Ambient 8 hours OK/Frozen OK
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Chemistry -
Ada Hospital Lab; Ashland Clinic Lab; Deer River Hospital Lab; Ely Clinic Lab; Fargo Hospital Lab; Fosston Hospital Lab; Hayward Clinic Lab; Hibbing Clinic Lab; Holy Trinity Hospital Lab; International Falls Clinic Lab; Northern Pines Lab; Park Rapids Clinic Lab; Sandstone Hospital Lab; SMDC Clinical Lab; South University Clinic Lab; Spooner Clinic Lab; St. Joseph's - Baxter Clinic Lab; St. Joseph's - Brainerd Clinic Lab; St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab; St. Mary's - Detroit Lakes Hospital Lab; Virginia Hospital Lab; St. Mary's Hospital - Superior Lab; Moose Lake Hospital Lab
Test Classification and CPT Coding
82374
Reference Values
0-14 days: 5-20 mEq/L
15 days-1 year: 10-24 mEq/L
1-4 years: 14-24 mEq/L
5-14 years: 17-26 mEq/L
15-18 years: 17-28 mEq/L
Adult: 19-29 mEq/L