Malcolm Rivera
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a natural waste product from metabolism, the process the body uses to make energy from food. A carbon dioxide blood test is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of the blood, called the serum. The test helps healthcare providers determine if the body is balancing electrolytes properly. Results outside the normal range of 20 to 29 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) may point to a more serious issue with the kidneys or lungs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To determine if the body is balancing electrolytes properly |
| Test Type | Blood test |
| What is tested | Amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of the blood (called serum) |
| Normal Range | 20 to 29 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) |
| Test Frequency | May be done to check the progress of a disease or as part of an electrolyte or basic metabolic panel |
| Test Procedure | Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm or hand |
| Test Risks | Bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded |
| Test Preparation | Certain medications may affect results, so inform your healthcare provider about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements being taken |
| Test Results | Results outside the normal range may indicate a problem with the kidneys or lungs |
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What You'll Learn
Normal carbon dioxide blood levels
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a natural waste product of metabolism, the process by which the body converts food into energy. A CO2 blood test measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood, which is typically in the form of bicarbonate (HCO3), an electrolyte. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help maintain the body's fluid balance and acid-base (pH) balance.
The normal range for CO2 in the blood is generally considered to be 20–29 millimoles per litre (mmol/L) or 23–29 milliequivalents per litre (mEq/L). However, it's important to note that these values can vary slightly depending on the laboratory conducting the analysis.
Maintaining normal CO2 levels is crucial for overall health. When the blood has too much CO2, a condition known as hypercapnia, it indicates that the body is not effectively removing carbon dioxide. This can be a sign of health problems such as metabolic alkalosis, Cushing's syndrome, hormonal disorders, kidney disorders, or lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
On the other hand, if the blood has lower-than-normal CO2 levels, it means the body is removing too much carbon dioxide. This can also be indicative of health issues such as Addison's disease, ketoacidosis (often associated with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes), kidney disorders, or metabolic acidosis, characterised by excessive acid in the blood.
A CO2 blood test is typically ordered by a healthcare provider if an individual exhibits symptoms such as excessive vomiting, diarrhoea, or difficulty breathing. It helps to determine if the body is properly balancing electrolytes and maintaining the correct acid-base balance. Certain medications can impact the results of a CO2 blood test, so it is important to disclose all substances being consumed to the healthcare provider before the test.
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Hypercapnia
The symptoms of hypercapnia can vary and may include dyspnea (breathlessness), headache, confusion, lethargy, flushed skin, a full pulse, rapid breathing, premature heartbeats, muscle twitches, hand flaps (asterixis), dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, hypercapnia may be accompanied by respiratory acidosis, where the body compensates for the raised acidity by retaining alkali in the kidneys, a process known as "metabolic compensation".
The treatment for hypercapnia depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF) is a medical emergency and may require mechanical respiratory support or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to remove carbon dioxide from the bloodstream. Chronic hypercapnia may be treated with medication, mask-based non-invasive ventilation, or mechanical ventilation.
It is important to note that certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can affect carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medication prior to a CO2 blood test. Additionally, while fasting is generally not required for a CO2 blood test, it may be necessary for other accompanying blood tests.
A CO2 blood test measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood and helps healthcare providers determine if the body is properly balancing electrolytes. The standard carbon dioxide level in the blood is between 20 to 29 mmol/L, and deviations from this range may indicate a problem with the kidneys or lungs.
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Causes of abnormal carbon dioxide levels
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a waste product from metabolism, the process by which the body makes energy from food. A carbon dioxide blood test measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood and helps healthcare providers determine if the body is balancing electrolytes properly. Results outside the normal range of 20 to 29 millimoles per litre (mmol/L) may indicate a problem with the kidneys or lungs.
Abnormally high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood are called hypercapnia or hypercarbia. Causes include conditions that affect the lungs, brain, nerves, and muscles. These include:
- Lung diseases
- Cushing's syndrome
- Kidney failure
- Metabolic alkalosis, a condition in which the blood is not acidic enough, which may be caused by vomiting, dehydration, or anorexia
- Fever and exercise can also temporarily increase CO2 levels, but most people's bodies adjust to restore balance
- Opioids or benzodiazepines, which can cause shallow or infrequent breathing
- Oxygen therapy for COPD
Abnormally low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood are called hypocarbia and may be a sign of:
- Addison's disease
- Diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Kidney disorders
- Metabolic acidosis, a condition in which the blood is too acidic, which may be caused by kidney or liver disease or long-lasting diarrhoea
It is important to note that certain medications can affect the results of a carbon dioxide blood test, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider before stopping any medication.
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Treatment for abnormal carbon dioxide levels
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colourless, odourless gas and a waste product of metabolism, the process by which the body makes energy from food. A carbon dioxide blood test measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood, which is typically between 20 to 29 millimoles per litre (mmol/L).
Abnormal carbon dioxide levels can be a sign of a serious health problem, such as an issue with the kidneys or lungs. Low carbon dioxide levels, or hypocarbia, can be a sign of Addison's disease, ketoacidosis, kidney disorders, or metabolic acidosis. High carbon dioxide levels, or hypercapnia, can be caused by hypoventilation, which occurs when breathing is too slow or shallow to remove carbon dioxide from the body. Hypercapnia can also be caused by conditions that affect the lungs, brain, nerves, and muscles, such as COPD.
If you have abnormal carbon dioxide levels, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider about the best treatment. Treatment for abnormal carbon dioxide levels depends on the underlying cause. For high carbon dioxide levels caused by hypoventilation, treatment may include non-invasive ventilation, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP). If you have a condition like COPD, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and certain medications can help balance carbon dioxide levels.
For low carbon dioxide levels, treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Some studies have shown that treatment with sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate pills can help improve metabolic acidosis. Additionally, eating more fruits and vegetables and fewer meats, eggs, cheese, and cereal grains can help balance carbon dioxide levels. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider about the safest ways to balance carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
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The carbon dioxide blood test procedure
A carbon dioxide (CO2) blood test is a procedure that helps healthcare providers determine if the body is balancing electrolytes properly. It measures the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood, which is a waste product from metabolism—the process by which your body converts food into energy. Most of the carbon dioxide in your body is in the form of bicarbonate (HCO3), a type of electrolyte. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help control the amount of fluid and the balance of acids and bases (pH balance) in your body.
The procedure for a CO2 blood test is straightforward and similar to other blood tests. A healthcare professional called a phlebotomist or phlebotomy technician usually performs the blood draw. They will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. After inserting the needle, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial, which takes less than five minutes. You may feel a slight sting or pain during the process, and some bruising may occur afterward, but these symptoms are typically mild and temporary.
Before the blood draw, it is important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking, as certain substances can affect the test results. In some cases, you may need to stop taking certain medicines or fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. Your provider will advise you on any special instructions.
After the blood is drawn, a medical laboratory technician will run the sample through a machine to determine the results. The normal range for CO2 in a basic metabolic panel is typically considered to be 20 to 29 millimoles per liter (mmol/L), but this can vary slightly depending on the laboratory. Results outside this range may indicate a problem with the kidneys or lungs, but further tests are often needed to confirm a diagnosis.
It is important to note that a CO2 blood test alone cannot usually diagnose a specific condition. However, it is a valuable tool to help healthcare providers identify potential issues and monitor the effects of certain medications.
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Frequently asked questions
A carbon dioxide test measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of the blood, called the serum.
A carbon dioxide test helps healthcare providers determine if the body is balancing electrolytes properly. It can also indicate whether the kidneys or lungs are functioning properly.
A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm or hand. The blood is then analysed by a medical laboratory technician to determine the results.
