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CO2 Content is
a measurement of all the CO2 in the blood.
Most of this is in the form of bicarbonate (HCO3), controlled by the
kidney. A small amount (5%) of the CO2 is dissolved in the blood, and in the
form of soluble carbonic acid (H2CO3).
For this reason, changes in CO2 content generally reflect such metabolic
issues as renal function and unusual losses (diarrhea). Respiratory disease
can ultimately effect CO2 content, but only slightly and only if prolonged.
Elevated CO2 levels are seen in:
- Severe vomiting
- Use of mercurial diuretics
- COPD
- Aldosteronism
Decreased CO2 levels are seen in:
- Renal failure or dysfunction
- Severe diarrhea
- Starvation
- Diabetic Acidosis
- Chlorthiazide diuretic use
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Normal Values*
| Men |
23-30 mmol/L |
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Women |
21-30 mmol/L |
| Pregnancy |
18-25 mmol/L |
*These are general values taken from a variety of
sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one
type of testing protocol to another.
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