CARBON DIOXIDE, TOTAL/BICARBONATE

Mnemonic

CO2

Synonym

CO₂ - Total Carbon Dioxide - Bicarbonate - CO2T - t CO2

Specimen Collection Requirements

Collect

Serum or Plasma, one 5.0 mL gold (SST) or 3.0 mL mint green (lithium heparin, PST) top tube

Handling

Allow serum to clot completely at room temperature (minimum: 30 minutes). Separate serum or plasma from cells before transport. Minimize exposure to air as much as possible.

Preferred Volume

0.5 mL

Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Transport

Refrigerated (2-8°C)

Rejection Criteria

Grossly hemolyzed specimens, tubes containing potassium oxalate, sodium fluoride and sodium citrate

Stability

Lithium heparin tubes (PST) are stable up to 1 day refrigerated on the primary spun gel tube. AFTER SEPARATION FROM CELLS: Ambient (15-25°C): 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 1 day; Frozen (at or below -20°C): 1 month

Testing Information

Performed

7 days/week

Method

Enzymatic

Referral Lab

Samaritan Health Services Laboratories

Reference Values

Reference Values

ADULT: 22-30 mmol/L

CPT Codes

82374

Last Updated: Thursday, January 5, 2017 03:42:02 AM