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Medical Video: NASA | A Year in the Life of Earth's CO2
Definition
What is carbon dioxide?
The CO2 test shows the amount of CO2 in the blood. This test is different from the PCO2 test (testing the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the arteries). CO2 levels are measured by H2CO3, dissolved CO2, and bicarbonate ions (HCO3) in serum. The CO2 test is considered an indirect method in measuring HCO3-ions, because the amount of H2CO3 acid and CO2 dissolved in the blood is quite small. HCO3 anions play an important role in maintaining neutral strength in intracellular and extracellular fluids in addition to chloride (Cl) ions, which help control the acidic alkali balance in the body. HCO3 levels are regulated by the kidneys. High HCO3 levels will cause alkalosis, and low HCO3 levels cause acidosis. So the venous blood sample is not accurate in determining blood CO2 or HCO3 levels. The CO2 test is carried out to determine the patient's acid-base balance.
When do I have to take a carbon dioxide test?
This test is usually done to test the content of electrolytes and ions in the blood. Changes in CO2 concentration will cause a loss of fluid accumulation in the body. This can cause electrolyte imbalances in the body. The doctor will also do a test if you have kidney or lung pain. Because the kidneys and lungs are the two main body parts that regulate levels of CO2 and HCO3 in the body.
Prevention & warning
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 decrease. This drug increases CO2 and serum HCO3 concentrations including aldosterone concentrations, barbiturates, bicarbonate, 210 concentrations of hydrocortisone ethacrynic acid carbon dioxide, loop diuretics, linen diuretics, and steroids. This drug can also reduce levels of CO2 and HCO3 including methicillin, nitrofurantoin (Furadantin), Paraldehyde, phenformin hydrochloride, tetracycline, thiazide diuretics, and triamterene.
Process
What should I do before undergoing carbon dioxide?
Your doctor may ask you not to consume anything except 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 correctly. Ask the doctor whether this test needs to be done, the risks that might occur, how the test is going to be done, or what results will be obtained.
What is the process of testing carbon dioxide content?
The medical personnel who are in charge of taking your blood will take the following steps:
- wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop the blood flow. This makes the blood vessels under the bond enlarge making it easier to inject needles into the vessels
- clean the part to be injected with alcohol
- inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be needed.
- attach the tube to the syringe to fill it with blood
- remove the ties from your arms when taking blood is enough
- attach gauze or cotton to the injected part, after the injection is finished
- put pressure on the part and then put on a bandage
What should I do after testing carbon dioxide content?
When the tape is tightly pressed, you may not feel anything when the needle is injected. Sometimes you feel like being stung or tingling. After the syringe has been removed, you must hold the cotton pad at the injection site to stop the blood.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
Normal results:
- adults / parents: 23-30 mEq / L or 23-30 mmol / L (SI units)
- children: 20-28 mEq / L
- toddlers: 20-28 mEq / L
- baby: 13-22 mEq / L
Warning number: <6 mEq / L
Abnormal results:
High CO content:
- 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 these tests can vary. Discuss the questions you have about the results of your health test with your doctor.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
