All tests · Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
Normal range 35-45 mm Hg (4.7-6 kPa SI). Specimen: Arterial blood.
Also known as: partial pressure of carbon dioxide, pCO2.
Combined adult band. LabVals does not publish separate men's, women's, or pediatric ranges for PaCO₂ (Arterial CO₂); those can be narrower than the band shown.
| Specimen | Arterial blood |
|---|---|
| Conventional range | 35-45 mm Hg |
| SI range | 4.7-6 kPa |
| Conversion factor | ×0.133 (conventional → SI) |
| Critical value | < 20 or > 60 mm Hg |
| Panel | Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) |
Convert any PaCO₂ (Arterial CO₂) result between units on the unit converter.
The standard teaching reference range for PaCO₂ (Arterial CO₂) is 35-45 mm Hg in conventional units, or 4.7-6 kPa in SI units. This value is measured in arterial blood.
For PaCO₂ (Arterial CO₂), the commonly taught critical (panic) value is: < 20 or > 60 mm Hg. Critical results are reported to the provider immediately under your facility's policy.
Source: Adult reference values compiled from Pagana & Pagana, Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, and Fischbach & Dunning, A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population - always use the range printed on the actual result.
Above the range
What causes a high PaCO₂ (Arterial CO₂)? Read as its own page
Below the range
What causes a low PaCO₂ (Arterial CO₂)? Read as its own page
At the bedside
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