TCO₂ or Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)
24 hours
Enzymatic/Colorimetric
Accredited NRL Laboratory
Daily
Measures total CO2 in blood. Reflects bicarbonate levels and acid-base balance.
Serum
0.5 mL
Red top tube or Gel barrier tube
No special preparation is required for this test. You may eat, drink, and take your medications as normal, unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
This test does not require any special collection or pre-analytical handling. Follow routine specimen collection protocols.
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 2 days |