Your body produces CO2 gas as a byproduct.
It offers a step-by-step approach covering what to expect during a venous carbon dioxide blood test.
This article helps advise on what you might do to protect your health and CO2 balance.
Verywell / Laura Porter
A CO2 blood test evaluates whether your body is balancing electrolytes correctly.
It may also be a helpful test in monitoring the effects of some medications.
Sometimes, it is useful to measure the amount of carbon dioxide in the arteries.
The process for drawing an arterial blood gas differs from that of a venous CO2 test.
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medications youre taking, even over-the-counter ones.
Keep the bandage for the length of time the clinician instructs youthis will reduce the risk of bruising.
Should you experience phlebitis (also known as a swollen vein), you should alert your health provider.
They may recommend elevating the affected arm and warm compresses.
Good communication can help reduce any anxiety you feel surrounding your test.
Most venous CO2 blood tests are often run as part of routine blood work.
Generally, the test takes only a few minutes to complete.
Also, tests performed at different labs may yield different results.
There can be other elements, such as medications you might be taking, that contribute to your results.
Dehydration, for example, can cause high CO2 levels.
The blood test itself is straightforward and rarely leads to complications.
Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you.
MedlinePlus.Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in Blood.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.CO2 blood test.
