Carbon dioxide content measurement

This test measures the amount of total carbon dioxide (TCO₂) in blood. This test is used when acid-base imbalances are suspected in the body. This imbalances may include respiratory acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, or metabolic alkalosis.

Laboratory tests may be done for many reasons. Tests are performed for routine health screenings or if a disease or toxicity is suspected. Lab tests may be used to determine if a medical condition is improving or worsening. Lab tests may also be used to measure the success or failure of a medication or treatment plan. Lab tests may be ordered for professional or legal reasons. You may need this test if you have:

• Metabolic acidosis
• Metabolic alkalosis
• Respiratory acidosis
• Respiratory alkalosis

Venous , arterial, or capillary blood:

Before having blood collected, tell the person drawing your blood if you are allergic to latex. Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. Also tell the healthcare worker if you have felt nauseated, lightheaded, or have fainted while having blood drawn in the past.

Umbilical cord blood:

Ask the healthcare worker for information about how to prepare for this test.

A sample of venous, arterial, capillary or umbilical cord blood may be collected for this test.

Venous blood:

When a blood sample from a vein is needed, a vein in your arm is usually selected. A tourniquet (large rubber strap) may be secured above the vein. The skin over the vein will be cleaned, and a needle will be inserted. You will be asked to hold very still while your blood is collected. Blood will be collected into one or more tubes, and the tourniquet will be removed. When enough blood has been collected, the healthcare worker will take the needle out.

Arterial blood:

Before an arterial blood draw, the healthcare worker may check blood circulation to your arm or leg. Tell the healthcare worker if you use supplemental oxygen as this may affect the test results.

An artery in the wrist is the most common site to draw arterial blood. However, an artery at the inside bend of the arm or groin may be used. The area will be swabbed clean with antiseptic. Anesthetic may be used to numb the skin over the area where the blood will be drawn. A needle is used to puncture the skin. You will be asked to hold very still while your blood is collected. When enough blood is collected, the needle will be removed.

If you have an existing arterial catheter, a blood sample may be collected from that catheter.

Capillary blood:

Common sites to collect a capillary blood sample are the fingertip and earlobe. Infants often have a capillary blood sample taken from the heel of the foot. Once the site is selected, the healthcare worker may heat the area with a warm compress to ensure adequate blood flow. The area will be cleaned with antiseptic. A small needle is used to make a cut in the skin surface, and the area may be squeezed gently to produce blood. The blood is collected in small collection device.

Umbilical cord blood:

To collect an umbilical cord blood sample after an infant is born, the healthcare worker may use a needle and syringe to draw blood from the umbilical cord while the cord is still attached to the infant. Blood samples may also be collected from the part of the umbilical cord that has been detached from the infant.

After birth, an infant's body does not need the attached umbilical cord stump or its blood vessels, but they may be used temporarily for medical purposes. If the infant has a catheter inserted in a vessel of the umbilical cord, the blood sample may be collected through the existing catheter.

The amount of discomfort you feel will depend on many factors, including your sensitivity to pain. Communicate how you are feeling with the person doing the test. Inform the person doing the test if you feel that you cannot continue with the test.

Venous or capillary blood:

During a blood draw, you may feel mild discomfort at the location where the blood sample is being collected.

Arterial blood:

If you receive anesthetic to numb the skin before an arterial blood draw, you may feel discomfort at the location where the anesthetic needle is inserted into the skin. You may feel discomfort as the needle used to draw your blood is inserted into the skin, and you may have cramping at the site during the procedure. Inform the person doing the test if you feel faint or nauseated or if the discomfort is severe.

If blood is collected from an existing catheter inserted into an artery, you will feel little or no discomfort.

Umbilical cord blood:

There are several different ways that a cord blood sample may be collected. Depending on the procedure used to obtain the sample, the test may be uncomfortable. Ask the healthcare worker to explain how the test may feel.

Venous blood:

After a blood sample is collected from your vein, a bandage, cotton ball, or gauze may be placed on the area where the needle was inserted. You may be asked to apply pressure to the area. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after your blood draw. Contact your healthcare worker if you feel pain or see redness, swelling, or discharge from the puncture site.

Arterial blood:

If blood was drawn from an artery in your arm or leg, cotton will be placed over the site and held firmly for at least five minutes to stop the bleeding. Bleeding may continue beyond five minutes if you are using medications or supplements that thin your blood or have a medical condition that causes excessive bleeding. When bleeding has stopped, a bandage will be placed firmly over the site and should be left on for 30 to 60 minutes. You should rest for at least 15 minutes after the test. Avoid heavy use of the arm or leg from which the blood was drawn for 24 hours after the blood is collected.

If blood was drawn from an existing catheter inserted into an artery, there are no special instructions for you after this test.

Capillary blood:

After capillary blood collection is complete, cotton will be placed over the site and held firmly until the bleeding has stopped. A bandage or cotton may be secured over the site.

Umbilical cord blood:

Depending on the procedure used to obtain a sample of cord blood, there may be special instructions for you to follow. Ask the healthcare worker for any special instructions following this procedure.

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.