Carbon Dioxide, Serum or Plasma
Also known as: CO2
Use
The Carbon Dioxide, Serum or Plasma test measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood, which is important for evaluating the acid-base balance and electrolyte status in the body. CO2 levels are used to help assess patients with conditions such as respiratory disorders, metabolic disturbances, and other clinical states where acid-base imbalance is suspected.
Special Instructions
It is critical to separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection to prevent alteration in CO2 measurements. Only transport in ARUP Standard Transport Tube to ensure sample integrity.
Limitations
This test can only be performed on serum or plasma samples and is not applicable to other body fluids. Citrate as an anticoagulant is unacceptable due to its interference with the test's accuracy. Interpretation should consider possible preanalytical variables that might affect the CO2 levels, such as prolonged sample exposure to air.
New York Approved
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2028-9
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
Plasma separator tube or serum separator tube.
Collection Instructions
Allow serum tube to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection.
Storage Instructions
Transport refrigerated in an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.
Causes for Rejection
Other body fluids; specimens containing citrate as anticoagulant.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4 hours |
| Refrigerated | 1 week (in a closed container) |
| Frozen | 1 month (in a closed container) |