Carbon Dioxide
Bicarbonate, CO2, TCO2
Testing Information
Sample Type
Serum
Test Codes
630180
CPT Code
82374
Testing Area
Core Lab - Chemistry
Test Methodology
Abbott Alinity - Spectrophotometry and potentiometry
Reference Range
0-<1 year: 20-28 mmol/L1-13 years: 17-28 mmol/L>13 years: 20-29 mmol/LCritical Value: <10, >40 mmol/L
Expected Turnaround Time
Results Available 24 hours from Receipt at the laboratory.
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect one gold top SST tube (minimum whole blood: 4 mL). Let specimen clot for 30-60 minutes and then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate after centrifugation. Keep tube tightly capped until testing.
Rejection Criteria
Grossly hemolyzed specimens, quantity not sufficient, improperly labeled
Specimen Validity and Retention
Centrifuged SST Tubes:Room Temperature (20-25°C): 2-4 HoursRefrigerated (2-8°C): 7 DaysFrozen (-20°C or greater): UnacceptableSerum Aliquots:Room Temperature (20-25°C): UnacceptableRefrigerated (2-8°C): 7 daysFrozen (-20°C or greater): 7 daysSpecimens retained for 7 days after testing
Courier Transportation
Transport centrifuged tube refrigerated (2-8°C)
Clinical Utility
Carbon dioxide measurements are largely used in conjuection with the other electrolyte values to assess acid-base balance.
