Bicarbonate

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Carbon Dioxide, CO2, Total CO2
Laboratory	Core Laboratory & Transfusion Medicine
Sub-section	Biochemistry
Specimen Type	Blood
Test Code	TCO2S, TCO2P

Clinical Significance (If applicable)

Evaluating acid-base status.

Specimen Requirements (Sample Type)

Serum, Plasma

Specimen Requirements (Volume (mL))

0.5 mL

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

Serum (Gold SST)
Plasma (Light Green PST)
Collection Containers – Tube Types

Collection Requirements

Collection Instructions

Sample Stability

Room Temperature: 40 hours

Fridge: 7 days @ 2-8°C

Freezer: 6 months @ -20°C

Cause for Rejection

Specimen Acceptability and Transport Guidance

Instrument, Methodology

Roche cobas c 702, enzymatic

Test Availability

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

STAT Turnaround Time

1 hour

Routine Turnaround Time

3 hours

Reference Ranges

20 - 30 mmol/L

In case of discrepancies, always interpret results using reference ranges as stated on laboratory reports and/or electronic patient chart.

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4688