Partial pressure of carbon dioxide

The partial pressure of carbon dioxide, also called carbon dioxide tension, refers to the pressure produced by the dissolved carbon dioxide in the plasma. Because the carbon dioxide molecules have a strong ability to disperse, the blood carbon dioxide partial pressure basically reflects the average value of the alveolar carbon dioxide partial pressure, which represents the respiratory component. Arterial blood is usually drawn and measured with a blood gas analyzer. Carbon dioxide partial pressure measurement is mainly used to determine whether it is respiratory acidosis or respiratory alkalosis.