Adult: 22–30 mEq/L; SI units: 22–30 mmol/L
Child: 20–28 mEq/L; SI units: 20–28 mmol/L
. Red-top tube.
■ Used in the evaluation of pH and electrolytes.
■ Blood CO2 measures the total amount of carbon dioxide in the
blood (bicarbonate [HCO3]], dissolved carbon dioxide gas
[CO2], and carbonic acid [H2CO3]). It is essentially a measure
of serum bicarbonate (HCO3) because 95% of CO2 is present
as HCO3.
■ Do not confuse with PaCO2, which measures the partial
pressure of carbon dioxide.
■ Increased: compensation for respiratory acidosis and
metabolic alkalosis. Decreased: compensation for respiratory
alkalosis and metabolic acidosis.
