Carbon Dioxide
CPT Code(s):
82374
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
8 hours
Refrigerated:
3 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
The Carbon Dioxide (CO2) test holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of clinical chemistry and acid-base balance assessment. This test measures the level of carbon dioxide in a patient's blood, providing valuable information about acid-base status and respiratory function.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Carbon Dioxide include:
1. Acid-Base Balance Evaluation: Carbon Dioxide is used to evaluate the acid-base balance in the body. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of cellular metabolism, and its level in the blood is closely linked to the balance between carbonic acid (H2CO3) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3-). Abnormal CO2 levels can indicate disturbances in the acid-base equilibrium, such as respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, or compensatory mechanisms.
2. Respiratory Function Assessment: Carbon Dioxide aids in assessing respiratory function. Carbon dioxide is primarily eliminated through the lungs during respiration. Elevated CO2 levels can indicate impaired respiratory function, such as hypoventilation or respiratory failure. The test helps healthcare providers evaluate the efficiency of gas exchange and respiratory compensation mechanisms.
3. Monitoring Ventilation during Anesthesia: Carbon Dioxide is used in anesthesia management to monitor ventilation and assess the adequacy of respiratory support during surgical procedures. Measuring CO2 levels in exhaled breath or arterial blood provides real-time feedback on the patient's ventilation status, helping anesthesiologists adjust ventilator settings and ensure appropriate gas exchange.
4. Diagnosis of Certain Medical Conditions: Abnormal CO2 levels can provide diagnostic clues for specific medical conditions. For example, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), elevated CO2 levels may indicate impaired lung function and retained carbon dioxide due to decreased lung elasticity. Additionally, Carbon Dioxide is useful in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as respiratory acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, kidney diseases, or certain endocrine disorders.
5. Monitoring Treatment Response: Carbon Dioxide is used to monitor the response to treatments targeting acid-base disturbances. Serial measurements of CO2 levels help healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of interventions, such as ventilatory support, oxygen therapy, or medication adjustments, in restoring acid-base balance and improving respiratory function.
In summary, Carbon Dioxide has specific clinical significance in evaluating acid-base balance, assessing respiratory function, monitoring ventilation during anesthesia, diagnosing certain medical conditions, and monitoring treatment response. By measuring CO2 levels, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, enabling healthcare providers to assess acid-base status, respiratory function, and guide appropriate interventions for optimal patient care.