Carbon Dioxide, Total Blood Test

The carbon dioxide blood test (CO2) measures how much carbon dioxide is in the blood in your veins.

Description

The carbon dioxide test is ordered to measures carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood.  During the digestive process, CO2 is generated in the body.  It is usually passed to the lungs through the blood and expelled when an individual breathes. An oxygen / carbon dioxide or acid / base (pH) imbalance can be evaluated using the carbon dioxide blood test. Respiratory, kidney or metabolic illnesses can cause these imbalances.

As part of routine general health screening, this test is often conducted. CO2 testing may also be ordered if an individual has symptoms of an imbalance in oxygen / carbon dioxide or pH imbalance such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, nausea or vomiting.