Carbon Dioxide Blood Test

What is a Carbon Dioxide Blood Test?

A carbon dioxide (CO2) blood test is a medical test that measures the amount of carbon dioxide in one�??s blood. More specifically, it measures bicarbonate, the most common form of carbon dioxide in one�??s body and an electrolyte. And although the CO2 test can be done independently, it�??s often part of an electrolyte panel. The test, whether it�??s part of a panel or not, can help practitioners diagnose or monitor conditions/diseases related to the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver, as well as check for an electrolyte imbalance.

How does it work?

Step One. Access and Download the Template

When needed, ensure that you have a digital or printable copy of the carbon dioxide blood test by doing either of the following:

• Clicking the �??Download Template�?� or �??Use Template�?� button
• Searching �??Carbon Dioxide Blood Test�?� on Carepatron�??s template library�??s search bar on the app or website.

Step Two. Assess or Examine the Patient

Before requesting a Carbon Dioxide Blood Test, especially if not for monitoring, you must assess or physically examine your patient. Only then should you fill out the request form on the template.

Step Three. Collect the Sample

Have your client bring the filled-out request form to the laboratory that will collect the sample as proof of your request for the carbon dioxide blood test.

Step Four. Analyze and Interpret

After receiving the results, you may use the other page provided on the template to write down the results, analyze them, and interpret them.

Step Five. Securely Store the Template

Since the template has sensitive information and just in case you need it in the future, it�??s best to store it in a secure physical location or on Carepatron.

When would you use this test?

Healthcare providers such as primary care physicians, physician�??s assistants, and nurses can request or use the carbon dioxide blood test in the following situations:

Routine Checkup

You may add the CO2 blood test as a routine physical examination to check the patient's health status. 

Investigation and Diagnosis

The carbon dioxide blood test may be requested if the referring physician notices that the patient is sharing concerns/exhibiting/experiencing symptoms of electrolyte imbalances, respiratory acidosis/alkalosis, metabolic acidosis/alkalosis, a lung/liver/digestive disease, or exposure to poison or a toxin. More specifically, it can be used to identify the cause and diagnose a condition that may be affecting one�??s electrolyte and CO2 levels. 

Monitoring

Aside from diagnosis, the carbon dioxide blood test can also be used to monitor who has pre-existing chronic respiratory conditions, metabolic disorders, problems with one�??s kidneys, and diabetes. It can also be used to monitor the treatment for some of these conditions to assess its effectiveness. 

Assessment Before Surgery

The patient�??s CO2 levels must be checked before surgery in case there are any underlying health conditions that may affect their acid-base balance. 

What do the results mean?

Though you are well aware that there are other factors to consider when analyzing results and interpreting them if you need a general idea of what the results of the carbon dioxide blood test, keep reading below:

• Higher than 29 mmol/L: Your patient�??s body may be losing acidic fluid due to conditions related to the lungs, affecting the balance of the electrolytes in their body. 
• Lower than 20 mmol/L: Your patient�??s body may be retaining acidic fluid due to a metabolic condition, kidney disease, or diabetes complication, all of which may also be affecting the balance of the electrolytes in their body.