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Overview Risks Results

CO2

Alternative Names: Bicarbonate test; HCO3-; Carbon dioxide What the risks are: Excessive bleeding Fainting or feeling light-headed Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin) Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken) Multiple punctures to locate veins Special considerations: Drugs that can increase HCO3- measurements include corticosteroids and excessive use of antacids. Text Continues Below Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

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