Does hyperventilation cause lower CO2 results in a blood test?

Question

I took lab tests for my accutane prescription and my Co2 came back 1 point less than the reference bracket. 19 L. I have a major fear of needles and blood so during my blood draw, I was breathing heavy with anxiety and almost passed out. I wonder if this could take an effect on my CO2 levels or if I need to have a cause of concern for a more serious condition. It might be important to add that I am not prediabetic nor diabetic.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hyperventilation can indeed affect your blood CO2 levels. When you hyperventilate, you exhale more carbon dioxide than usual, which can lead to a temporary decrease in CO2 levels in your blood. This is because hyperventilation causes a state known as respiratory alkalosis, where the blood becomes less acidic due to the reduced CO2.

In your case, the anxiety and heavy breathing during the blood draw could have contributed to the slightly lower CO2 level you observed in your lab results. If your CO2 level was only slightly below the reference range and you were experiencing significant anxiety during the test, it's likely that this was a temporary effect.

However, if you continue to have concerns or if you experience any symptoms, it would be wise to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can assess whether further investigation is necessary and provide reassurance or additional guidance based on your overall health and medical history.

Does hyperventilation cause lower CO2 results in a blood test?

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