Carbon Dioxide (CO2 Content)
Label Mnemonic: CO2
Epic code: LAB55
Downtime form: A-1a Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery
Chemistry
6240 RCP
356-3527
Specimen(s):
Plasma
Collection Medium:
Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL
Alternate Collection Media:
Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.
Minimum:
3 mL whole blood from light green top tube or ONE Microtainer® for pediatric patients
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Turn Around Time:
1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
13 years and older: 22-29 mEq/L
0-12 years old: 18-27 mEq/L
Cord blood: 15-20 mEq/L

Critical value: <10 mEq/L and >=50 mEq/L
Comments:
This test measures bicarbonate + dissolved CO2.
Test Limitations:
Plasma
Icterus: No significant interference up to an I index of 60 
(approximate conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin concentration: 60 
mg/dL).

Hemolysis: Significant negative interference at an H index greater 
than 
600.

Lipemia (Intralipid): Significant negative interference at an L index 
greater than 1800 (approximate triglycerides concentration: 3600 
mg/dL). There is poor correlation between turbidity and triglycerides 
concentration.
Methodology:
Enzymatic
CPT Code:
82374
 
See also:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2 Content)-Other, Body Fluid