What is the reference range for Carbon Dioxide, Total (Bicarbonate)?

The standard reference range for Carbon Dioxide, Total (Bicarbonate) is 22–29 mmol/L, laboratory-specific.. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Which tests measure Carbon Dioxide, Total (Bicarbonate)?

Carbon Dioxide, Total (Bicarbonate) is measured in 1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Comprehensive Metabolic Panel with Adjusted Calcium, Plasma.

Biomarker Reference · CO₂

What does the Carbon Dioxide, Total (Bicarbonate) test measure?

Carbon Dioxide, Total (Bicarbonate) (CO₂) is a clinical biomarker used in metabolic-diabetes assessment. Total CO₂ in venous plasma reflects predominantly bicarbonate, with small contributions from dissolved CO₂ and carbonic acid. It is measured in 1 laboratory test on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: 22–29 mmol/L, laboratory-specific.
Units: mmol/L, mEq/L
Measured In: 1 test
Category: Metabolic

Functional medicine optimal23–28 mmol/L; mild deviations are common and may reflect chronic respiratory compensation or early metabolic disturbance.

What is Carbon Dioxide, Total (Bicarbonate)?

Total CO₂ in venous plasma reflects predominantly bicarbonate, with small contributions from dissolved CO₂ and carbonic acid. Bicarbonate is the principal extracellular buffer, regulated by renal reabsorption and regeneration in response to acid–base disturbances; respiratory compensation via CO₂ excretion occurs within minutes, renal compensation over days.

Why is Carbon Dioxide, Total (Bicarbonate) measured?

Total CO₂ is the metabolic component of acid–base status. Low bicarbonate (<22 mmol/L) suggests metabolic acidosis or respiratory alkalosis with compensation; elevated bicarbonate (>29 mmol/L) suggests metabolic alkalosis or respiratory acidosis with compensation. Calculate the anion gap and interpret with clinical context and, when needed, arterial blood gas.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: 22–29 mmol/L, laboratory-specific.
Functional medicine optimal: 23–28 mmol/L; mild deviations are common and may reflect chronic respiratory compensation or early metabolic disturbance.
Units: mmol/L, mEq/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Tests that measure Carbon Dioxide, Total (Bicarbonate)

1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-MET-026Comprehensive

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel with Adjusted Calcium, Plasma

Carbon Dioxide, Total (Bicarbonate) reference range in this test: 22–29 mmol/L, laboratory-specific.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

Glucose, PlasmaGluc1 test Blood Urea NitrogenBUN2 tests Creatinine, PlasmaCreat1 test Estimated Glomerular Filtration RateeGFR6 tests SodiumNa6 tests PotassiumK6 tests ChlorideCl6 tests Calcium, TotalCa1 test

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