PCO2

Carbon dioxide molecule.

The pCO₂ is the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in arterial blood. It is also represented as PaCO₂. Expresses the effectiveness of alveolar ventilation, given the diffusing capacity of the gas. It is a good indicator of respiratory function and reflects the amount of acid in the blood (without lactic acid).

Values

• Its normal values are in the range 35-45 mmHg.
• If the pCO₂ is less than 35 mmHg, the patient is hyperventilating, and if the pH (potential hydrogen) is greater than 7.45, corresponding to a respiratory alkalosis.
• If the pCO₂ is higher than 45 mmHg, the patient is hypoventilating, and if the pH is less than 7.35, is in respiratory acidosis.^[1][2]

See also

• Acidosis
• Alkalosis
• Arterial blood gas
• Blood gas tension
• Chemical equilibrium
• pH
• pKa

References