CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)

CPT Code

82374

Specimen Type

Blood

Container Type

Serum Separator Tube (SST)/Yellow

Stability

Room Temperature, 24 hours; 2-8° C, 7 days; -20°C, 2 weeks

Handling Instructions

Allow to clot for 30 mins, centrifuge within 2 hours

Clinical Notes

Bicarbonate is an electrolyte, a negatively charged ion that is used by the body to help maintain the body’s acid-base (pH) balance. It also works with the other electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride) to maintain electrical neutrality at the cellular level. This test measures the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, which occurs mostly in the form of bicarbonate (HCO3–). The CO2 is mainly a by-product of various metabolic processes.

Performing Lab

Principle Laboratory - Dallas
6210 N Belt Line Rd
#170
Irving, TX 75063

Principle Laboratory - Houston
16840 Buccaneer Ln
Suite 281
Houston, TX 77058