Carbon dioxide adjusted to patient's actual temperature

A carbon dioxide (CO2) blood test measures the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood. Carbon dioxide is an odorless, colorless gas. It is a waste product from metabolism, the process your body uses to make energy from food you eat.

A CO2 blood test is often part of a group of tests called an electrolyte panel, which may be part of a routine checkup. The test may also help diagnose or monitor conditions related to an electrolyte imbalance. These may include high blood pressure and diseases of the kidneys, lungs, or liver.