Carbon Dioxide Blood Level

Breathing comprises of inhalation and exhalation where you inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. The chemical formula for carbon dioxide is CO2. Not many people know that high or low level of carbon dioxide is harmful to the body. Hence, it is essential that the level of carbon dioxide in the body is maintained. Oxygen is required for your entire body, and it needs to be distributed properly. The primary responsibility of carbon dioxide is of transporting oxygen from the blood to the different cells of the brain and body. Therefore, a reduction in the level of carbon dioxide leads to a reduction in the level of oxygen in the various tissues, cells and vital organs of the body. This eventually results in serious health problems.

The level of carbon dioxide present in the body should approximately be 40 mm of Hg. When the level of CO2 goes above 45mm of Hg, it leads to a condition called hypercapnia. This condition is characterized by a high level of carbon dioxide dissolved in the bloodstream. It is caused either as a result of lack of ventilation or exposure to an environment with excess carbon dioxide It directly results in serious issues, the primary one being acidosis. Other effects of hypercapnia include increased heart rate, respiratory arrest, coma and even death. On the other hand, a low level of carbon dioxide leads to a condition called hypocapnia. It occurs when the level of CO2 goes below 40 mm of Hg. It may reduce due to hyperventilation where in you breathe faster and deeper than required. Carbon dioxide is converted into carbonic acid which is responsible for regulating the acid or alkaline balance in the body. Reduced levels of CO2 result in an alkaline system which weakens the immune system of the body making it more prone to viruses and allergies. Therefore, a test to measure the carbon dioxide blood level in your body is essential, as high or low levels of it can lead to serious complications.

Preparation for Blood Carbon Dioxide Level Test

There is no preparation required before undergoing the Blood Carbon Dioxide Level Test. You, however, need to keep your doctor informed about all the prescribed and non prescribed medicines that you are taking. A blood sample is generally taken through a syringe, where a needle is pierced into your veins to collect blood. You can also have it collected through a finger stick, where a small puncture is made on your finger and drops of blood are collected to be used as samples.