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HelpTest Code CO2 Carbon Dioxide
EHR Test Codes
Only availible through chemistry test panels; LYTES, BMP, CMP, RFP
Specimen Requirements
Preparation of Patient:
None
Container Type:
Green Top 5mL Lithium Heparin Separator Tube
Or
Gold Top 6mL SST Gel & Clot Activator Tube
Specimen Type:
Plasma or Serum
Specimen Volume:
2.5 mL Plasma or Serum minimum .5 mL
Specimen Handling/Transport:
Separate plasma or serum from cells within 2 hours of collection.
Transport ambient room temperature.
Specimen Stability/Storage:
5 days refrigerated 2-8°C
Performing Laboratory
Munson Healthcare Laboratories
Chemistry Department
Priority, Frequency, & Turnaround
Priority:
STAT, ASAP, Non-Emergent
Frequency:
24 hours 7 days a week
Turnaround:
0 - 1 days
STAT 45 minute from receipt in lab
Methodology
Enzymatic
Reporting
Reference Range:
22 -32 mmol/L
Interpretive Data:
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels of >2000 U/L may cause falsely elevated bicarbonate results. Interpret bicarbonate in conjunction with LDH when appropriate.
Critical Decision:
0 years to 21 years ≤ 16 or ≥ 35 mmol/L
21 years and up ≤ 10 or ≥ 40 mmol/L
Note: Critical values are called to the provider and communicated as critical. Documentation of the call is recorded in the patient record.
Clinical Significance
Bicarbonate analysis when performed in conjunction with other electrolytes is used to screen for electrolyte and acid-base imbalance.
CPT Code(s)
82374