CO<sub>2</sub> content (also known as "Total CO<sub>2</sub>") is a blood test that usually appears on a "Chem 19" or an electrolyte panel. The value measures the total dissolved Carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) in blood. It is determined by combining the Bicarbonate (HCO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup>) and the partial pressure of CO<sub>2</sub> multiplied by a factor which estimates the amount of pure CO<sub>2</sub> that is dissolved in its natural form (usually 0.03).