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CO2 blood test - Results

Alternative Names

Bicarbonate test; HCO3-; Carbon dioxide test; TCO2; Total CO2; CO2 test - serum

Normal Values:

The normal range is 20-29 mEq/L (milliequivalent per liter).

What abnormal results mean:

Lower-than-normal levels may be due to:

Addison disease
Diarrhea
Ethylene glycol poisoning
Ketoacidosis
Kidney disease
Lactic acidosis
Metabolic acidosis
Methanol poisoning
Salicylate toxicity (such as aspirin overdose)

Higher-than-normal levels may be due to:

Breathing disorders
Cushing syndrome
Excessive vomiting
Hyperaldosteronism

The following conditions may also alter bicarbonate levels:

Reviewed last on: 5/7/2009
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Seifter JL. Acid-base disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 119.

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