partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2)

Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂) refers to the amount of carbon dioxide gas present in the blood, expressed as a pressure measurement, similar to how blood pressure measures the force of blood. It indicates how well carbon dioxide is being removed from the body through the lungs. Higher pCO₂ levels may suggest that the body isn’t eliminating CO₂ efficiently, often due to respiratory issues, while lower levels can indicate hyperventilation. Monitoring pCO₂ helps evaluate respiratory health and acid-base balance, ensuring the body maintains proper pH levels for normal physiological functions.