CO2
Alternate Names : Bicarbonate Test, Carbon Dioxide, HCO3-
Definition
This is a blood test that measures the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in serum (the liquid portion of the blood).
Serum CO2 is really a measure of serum HCO3-, also called bicarbonate. The procedure used to measure HCO3- in the laboratory first converts it to CO2. In the body, 95% of the CO2 is present as HCO3-, so most of what is measured in the laboratory represents HCO3-.
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• Definition
• Why is the Test Performed?
• How is the Test Performed?
• How to Prepare for the Test?
• How will the Test Feel?
• Normal Values
• What do Abnormal Results Mean?
• Special Considerations
• Risks
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