Carbon Dioxide (CO2 Content)
Order Code: CO2
Order Form: Laboratory Requisition
Specimen:
Plasma
Collection Medium:
Plasma Separator Tube
Alternate Collection Media:
Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.
Minimum:
3 mL whole blood from light green top tube or 1 microtainer for pediatric patients
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Analytic Time:
1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
24-32 mEq/L Pediatric Reference Ranges: Age Range Units Cordblood 15-20 mEq/l Child 18-27 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 800. Lipemia (Intralipid): Significant negative interference at an L index greater than 2,000 (approximate triglycerides concentration: 500 mg/dL). There is poor correlation between turbidity and triglycerides concentration.
Methodology:
Enzymatic
Sample Processing:
Centrifuge at 3000 RPM for 10 minutes.
Aliquot plasma into labeled container and cap.
Sample Storage:
Refrigerate.
Transport Instructions:
Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.
CPT Code:
82374
 
See also:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2 Content)-Other, Body Fluid (e.g., surgical drain, pericardial, peritoneal, peritoneal dialysis, pleural, or synovial)
 
See Additional Information:
Chemistry Critical Lab Values