The normal range of arterial blood partial pressure of carbon dioxide is 35~45mmHg, which can be used to determine the type of respiratory failure and the presence of acid-base balance disorder.
The partial pressure of arterial blood carbon dioxide (PaCO2) is the tension produced by the CO2 physically dissolved in the blood, and is normally 35~45mmHg or 4.7~6.0kPa, with an average value of 40mmHg.
PaCO2 is normal or slightly low in type I respiratory failure and >50 mmHg in type II respiratory failure.PaCO2 >45 mmHg suggests the presence of respiratory acidosis, while PaCO2 <35 mmHg suggests possible respiratory alkalosis.
PaCO2 is one of the arterial blood gas tests. Abnormal PaCO2 value suggests that respiratory dysfunction may be present and needs to be corrected by treatment as soon as possible.