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Test Code Billings Clinic: 4005 Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Total, Plasma

Performing Laboratory

Billings Clinic Laboratory: Chemistry

Useful For

  • The bicarbonate content of serum or plasma is a significant indicator of electrolyte dispersion and anion deficit.
  • Together with pH determination, bicarbonate measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous potentially serious disorders associated with acid-base imbalance in the respiratory and metabolic systems.
  • Some of these conditions are diarrhea, renal tubular acidosis, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, hyperkalemic acidosis, renal failure, and ketoacidosis.

Methodology

Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) Carboxylase-Malate Dehydrogenase

Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Serum or plasma should be physically separated from cells as soon as possible with a maximum limit of two hours from the time of collection.

Plasma

  • Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s).
  • Spin down and send 1.0 mL of heparinized plasma frozen.
  • Specimens must be centrifuged within 4 hours of collection.
  • Avoid exposure of specimen to atmosphere.

 

Serum

  • Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) or a serum gel tube(s).
  • Spin down and send 1.0 mL of serum frozen
  • Specimens must be centrifuged within 4 hours of collection.
  • Avoid exposure of specimen to atmosphere.

Storage/Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Plasma, Serum Refrigerated 3 days
  Frozen (preferred) 2 months

 

Reject Due To

  • Specimens not drawn in the correct collection tube

Reference Values

0 - 1 month                      17 - 24 mEq/L

1 month - 2 years            16 - 24 mEq/L

2 - 17 years                     22 - 26 mEq/L

17 - 18 years                   19 - 29 mEq/L

> 18 years                       21 - 32 mEq/L

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82374 - Carbon Dioxide (bicarbonate)

LOINC Code Information

Reporting Name LOINC Code
Carbon Dioxide, Blood 2028-9