Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Serum CO2 on a basic metabolic panel mostly reflects bicarbonate, the major buffer maintaining blood acid-base balance. Low values suggest metabolic acidosis from diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, kidney failure, or diarrhea, while high values indicate metabolic alkalosis from vomiting, diuretics, or respiratory compensation. It is interpreted with chloride, anion gap, and pH.
Optimal range: who says what
No institution or named practitioner we track states an optimal target for Carbon Dioxide (CO2). How we verify ranges.
- General guidance, no named sourceWithin referenceNo separate optimal established
- Lab reference interval23-29 mEq/LWhat a lab report flags against. A lab interval is not an optimal target.
19 of 21 itemized panels
Electrolytes & Minerals
Why Carbon Dioxide (CO2) matters
Reflects acid-base balance. Low levels indicate metabolic acidosis; high levels suggest respiratory problems or metabolic alkalosis.
Which Providers Test Carbon Dioxide (CO2)?
Cheapest: Oura Health Panels at $99/year. Most comprehensive: Function Health, 160+ biomarkers for $365/year.
19 panels that include it, cheapest first
| Provider | Annual Cost | Total Biomarkers | $/Biomarker |
|---|---|---|---|
| $99 | 50 | $1.98 | |
| $190 | 100+ | $1.90 | |
| $250 | 65 | $3.85 | |
| $297 | 100+ | $2.97 | |
 Labcorp OnDemand | $338 | 50+ | $6.76 |
 Superpower | $349 | 100+ | $3.49 |
| $349 | 75+ | $4.65 | |
 WHOOP Advanced Labs | $349 | 65 | $5.37 |
 Function Health | $365 | 160+ | $2.28 |
| $365 | 100+ | $3.65 | |
| $375 | 108 | $3.47 | |
| $449 | 83 | $5.41 | |
| $495 | 80+ | $6.19 | |
| $499 | 100+ | $4.99 | |
| $700 | 138 | $5.07 | |
| $895 | 100+ | $8.95 | |
| $1188 | 70+ | $16.97 | |
| $1198 | 40+ | $29.95 | |
| $1950 | 130+ | $15.00 |
$/Biomarker is annual cost divided by the panel's advertised biomarker count, not the price of this one test. We track 23 blood test providers (32 plans); 21 of those plans are itemized marker by marker. Compare all of them.
2 itemized panels do not include Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
11 providers not itemized in our matrix
We have not itemized these marker by marker (some sell tests one at a time), so this page cannot say whether they offer Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Check with them directly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the optimal range for Carbon Dioxide (CO2)?
No institution or named practitioner we track states an optimal target for Carbon Dioxide (CO2). General guidance without a named source: Within reference (No separate optimal established). Lab reference interval: 23-29 mEq/L. That is what a lab report flags against, not an optimal target.
Which blood test providers include Carbon Dioxide (CO2)?
19 of the 21 blood testing panels we itemize marker by marker include Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in their panels. This biomarker is widely available across major providers.
Related: YouBoost rates lifestyle and supplement interventions by evidence.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
Last reviewed Aug 26, 2026 · First published Sep 30, 2025