Carbon Dioxide (Partial Pressure) During Inspiration
This test measures the amount of carbon dioxide your body releases during breathing, specifically while you inhale. It helps assess how well your lungs exchange gases with your blood.
["This test helps diagnose lung function issues and breathing disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 76096-7
- Short code
- CO2 during insp VFr/PPres Gas DS.IL
- Synonyms
- CO2 during insp VFr/PPres Gas DS.IL
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 22
- Ref high
- 28
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82374
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is This Test Measuring?
Your doctor may ask you to breathe into a special device called a spirometer or capnograph. This device measures the carbon dioxide levels in your inhaled breath. The test may be done during a routine lung function test or in response to symptoms like shortness of breath.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
This test is often used to evaluate lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or other respiratory problems. It can also help monitor how well treatments are working or identify potential breathing difficulties.
How Is This Test Performed?
You’ll likely blow into a machine that detects carbon dioxide levels in your breath. The test is quick and painless, usually taking a few minutes. No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications or activities before the test.
What Does the Test Result Mean?
Results are typically compared to your baseline or to reference values for your age and gender. Abnormally high or low levels may indicate issues with your respiratory system, such as poor ventilation or blockages in your airways.
Reference range
Adult: 22-28 mmol/LN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test plays a critical role in diagnosing and managing lung diseases. Elevated carbon dioxide levels during inspiration can suggest conditions like hypoventilation (reduced breathing), where your body isn’t getting enough oxygen or removing enough carbon dioxide. Conversely, low levels may indicate overbreathing or other respiratory challenges. It’s often used alongside other tests, like spirometry, to create a full picture of lung function.
Short name
CO₂ Partial Pressure (Inspiratory)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low carbon dioxide level during inspiration mean?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Is this test painful or uncomfortable?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy