CO2 blood test

A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X

Bicarbonate test; HCO3-; Carbon dioxide test; TCO2; Total CO2; CO2 test - serum

The normal range is 23-29 mEq/L (milliequivalent per liter).

Normal values can vary from lab to lab. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results.

Lower-than-normal levels may be due to:

• Addison disease
• Diarrhea
• Ethylene glycol poisoning
• Ketoacidosis
• Kidney disease
• Lactic acidosis
• Metabolic acidosis
• Methanol poisoning
• Salicylate toxicity (such as aspirin overdose)

Higher-than-normal levels may be due to:

• Breathing disorders
• Cushing syndrome
• Hyperaldosteronism
• Vomiting

The following conditions may also alter bicarbonate levels:

• Alkalosis
• Delirium
• Dementia
• Renal tubular acidosis; distal
• Renal tubular acidosis; proximal

Review Date: 05/30/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

---

---