Biomarker Reference · CO₂
Carbon Dioxide (Total) (CO₂) is a clinical biomarker used in metabolic-diabetes assessment. Total CO₂ measures bicarbonate plus dissolved carbon dioxide and carbonic acid in plasma; at physiological pH bicarbonate accounts for more than 95% of the value, so total CO₂ is effectively a surrogate for serum bicarbonate. It is measured in 2 laboratory tests on BiomarkersLabs.com.
Total CO₂ measures bicarbonate plus dissolved carbon dioxide and carbonic acid in plasma; at physiological pH bicarbonate accounts for more than 95% of the value, so total CO₂ is effectively a surrogate for serum bicarbonate. Bicarbonate is the principal extracellular buffer, regulated by renal reabsorption and respiratory CO₂ excretion.
Low CO₂ (<22 mmol/L) suggests metabolic acidosis (lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis, renal failure, diarrhoea) or respiratory alkalosis. Elevated CO₂ (>29 mmol/L) indicates metabolic alkalosis (vomiting, diuretics, alkali ingestion) or compensated respiratory acidosis. The anion gap and arterial blood gas refine the diagnosis.
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.
2 tests on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.
Carbon Dioxide (Total) reference range in this test: 22–29 mmol/L; laboratory-specific.
Carbon Dioxide (Total) reference range in this test: 22–29 mmol/L; reflects venous bicarbonate plus dissolved CO₂.
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