Carbon dioxide content & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is the carbon dioxide content?

The CO2 test shows the amount of CO2 in the blood. This test is different from the PCO2 test (test for partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the arteries). CO2 levels were measured by H2CO3, dissolved CO2, and bicarbonate ions (HCO3) in serum. The CO2 test is considered an indirect method of measuring HCO3- ions, because the amount of acid H2CO3 and dissolved CO2 in the blood is quite small. The HCO3 anion plays an important role in maintaining neutral forces in intracellular and extracellular fluids apart from the chloride ion (Cl), which helps control the acid-alkaline balance in the body. HCO3 levels are regulated by the kidneys. High HCO3 levels will cause alkalosis, and low HCO3 levels cause acidosis. So venous blood samples are not accurate in determining blood CO2 or HCO3 levels. A CO2 test is performed to determine the patient's acid-base balance.

When should I have the carbon dioxide content test?

This test is usually done to test the electrolyte and ion content in the blood. Changes in CO2 concentration will cause loss of accumulated fluids in the body. This can cause an electrolyte imbalance in the body. Your doctor will also do tests if you have kidney or lung disease. Because the kidneys and lungs are the two main body parts that regulate CO2 and HCO3 levels in the body.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before undergoing the carbon dioxide content?

CO2 can be released from the serum if not enough blood is taken and the amount of HCO3 will be reduced. This drug increases the concentration of CO2 and serum HCO3 including the concentration of aldosterone, barbiturates, bicarbonate, 210 concentrations of ethacrynic acid hydrocortisone carbon dioxide, loop diuretic, linen diuretic, and steroids. These drugs can also reduce levels of CO2 and HCO3 including methicillin, nitrofurantoin (Furadantin), Paraldehyde, phenformin hydrochloride, tetracyclines, thiazide diuretics, and triamterene.

Process

What should I do before undergoing the carbon dioxide content?

Your doctor may ask you to eat nothing but plain water for 8 to 12 hours before the test. The doctor will also ask you to stop taking certain medications before the test is done. Follow the doctor's advice properly. Ask your doctor if this test needs to be done, the risks that might occur, how the test is processed, or what results will be obtained.

How does the carbon dioxide content test run?

The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:

• wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
• clean the area to be injected with alcohol
• inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
• Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
• untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
• sticking gauze or cotton on the injection site, after the injection is complete
• apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on

What should I do after the carbon dioxide content test?

When the tape is applied tightly, you may not feel anything when the needle is injected. Sometimes you feel like you are stinging or tingling. After the syringe is removed, you have to hold the cotton swab against the injection site to stop the blood.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Normal result:

• adults / parents: 23-30 mEq / L or 23-30 mmol / L (SI units)
• children: 20-28 mEq / L
• toddlers: 20-28 mEq / L
• infant: 13-22 mEq / L

Warning figure: <6 mEq / L

Abnormal results:

High CO levels:

• severe diarrhea
• no appetite
• severe vomiting
• hyperaldosteronism
• emphysema
• metabolic alkalosis
• gastric lavage suction patients

Low CO levels:

• kidney failure
• salicylate poisoning
• ketones diabetic acidosis
• metabolic acidosis
• in shock

Depending on the laboratory of your choice, the normal range of this test may vary. Discuss any questions you have about your medical test results with your doctor.