Test guide
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in Blood
A carbon dioxide (CO2) blood test measures the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood. Carbon dioxide is an odorless, colorless gas. It is a waste product from metabolism, the process your body uses to make energy from food you eat.
What it is for
A CO2 blood test is often part of a group of tests called an electrolyte panel , which may be part of a routine checkup . The test may also help diagnose or monitor conditions related to an electrolyte imbalance. These may include high blood pressure and diseases of the kidneys , lungs , or liver . Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Medical test information is public domain. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Limitations
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also known as
- carbon dioxide content, CO2 content, carbon dioxide blood test, bicarbonate blood test, bicarbonate test, total CO2
- TCO2
- carbon dioxide content
- CO2 content
- bicarb
- HCO3
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