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Test Code LAB55 Carbon Dioxide

Useful For

Carbon dioxide is tested to measure bicarbonate (alkali reserve) content of blood, which is important in acid/base balance.  CO2 will be increased in respiratory acidosis, respiratory disease, hypokalemic states, excessive alkali intake or in metabolic alkalosis and after severe vomiting in pyloric stenosis.  CO2 can be decreased in metabolic acidosis, in renal glomerular or tubular failure, renal tubular acidosis, diarrhea or intestinal fistula, hypotension, dehydration or other states with poor tissue perfusion.

Performing Laboratory

  • Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center (ARRMC)
  • Asante Three Rivers Medical Center (ATRMC)
  • Asante Ashland Community Hospital (AACH)

 

Performing Department

Chemistry

Specimen Required

Yellow (Gold) top tube (SST)

Lithium Heparin Green top tube

Plain Red top tube

 

Outpatient clients MUST draw SST

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 ml

Specimen Stability Information

Centrifuge and refigerate within 2 hours of collection

Primary tube: Spun SST stable 24 hours at  2° to 8° C

Serum stable 48 hours if aliquoted and refrigerated at 2° to 8° C

Reject Due To

Hemolysis

Quantity not sufficient (QNS)

Lack of Two Patient Identifiers:

         1-Patient's First & Last name 

         2-Patient's Date of Birth

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Routine – same day

ASAP – 2 hours after receipt of specimen in lab

STAT – 1 hour after receipt of specimen in lab

Method Name

pH Change Across Membrane of Electrode

CPT Code Information

82374  -  Carbon dioxide (bicarbonate)

Billing Code

3010177

Secondary ID

Bicarbonate (HCO3)