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Test Code CO2 Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Plasma

Methodology

Enzymatic
Carbon dioxide in plasma is used as a measure of acid-base balance.

Performing Laboratory

St. Clair Hospital Laboratory

Specimen Requirements

1 mL of Lithium Heparin plasma

  • Preferred Specimen:  Light Green Plasma Seperator Tube (PST) 
  • Acceptable Specimen: Dark Green Lithium Heparin tube

Centrifuge blood as soon as possible, or send unspun blood to laboratory within 4 hours of draw. Avoid hemolysis. Protect specimen from light.
Note:  Do not uncap tube once specimen is drawn.

Reference Values

22-29 mEq/L
Critical values (automatic call-back):  <10 mEq/L or >40 mEq/L

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday