A blood gas test is performed to measure the amount of C02 in the blood. When the lung’s ability to exchange oxygen and C02 becomes impaired, the PC02 level may become increased. The candidate’s current PC02 and change in PC02 are both considered in the lung allocation score calculation to reflect worsening PC02 values. PCO2 is used in the Lung Allocation Score. (OPTN Glossary May 2021)
Glossary Term