The pCO2 - Arterial marker on Labcorp's Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Panel measures the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) in arterial blood. pCO2 is an important indicator of lung function and the body’s ability to remove CO2, a byproduct of metabolism. It plays a key role in regulating blood pH through the bicarbonate buffer system. Abnormal levels of pCO2 can indicate respiratory or metabolic issues: elevated levels (hypercapnia) suggest hypoventilation or respiratory failure, while decreased levels (hypocapnia) may indicate hyperventilation or respiratory alkalosis. Monitoring pCO2 levels helps clinicians assess respiratory efficiency, acid-base balance, and potential underlying conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or kidney dysfunction.

PEA stands for Beta-phenylethylamine and is an excitatory neurotransmitter made from phenylalanine and it modulates neuron voltage potentials to favor glutamate activity and neurotransmitter firing.

PEA stands for Beta-phenylethylamine and is an excitatory neurotransmitter made from phenylalanine and it modulates neuron voltage potentials to favor glutamate activity and neurotransmitter firing.

PEA stands for Beta-phenylethylamine and is an excitatory neurotransmitter made from phenylalanine and it modulates neuron voltage potentials to favor glutamate activity and neurotransmitter firing.

A combined H2 + CH4 increase of 12 ppm or more may be suggestive of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Breath analysis standards for abnormal tests are suggested if an increase of 12ppm for Hydrogen (H2), 12ppm for Methane (CH4), or a combined 12ppm for Hydrogen (H2) & Methane (CH4) is detected. Only the treating clinician is able to determine if there are additional factors that could have a material impact on the results of this analysis.

A diagnosis can only be obtained from a medical professional that combines clinical information with the results of this breath analysis.
The results of this Hydrogen (H2) & Methane (CH4) breath test should be utilized as a guideline only.

The marker “Hydrogen increase over baseline by 90 minutes” is a key diagnostic indicator, used to identify excessive hydrogen gas production caused by bacterial fermentation in the small intestine. Normally, hydrogen is produced in minimal amounts in the small bowel, but when bacteria are present in excess—typically due to SIBO—they begin fermenting ingested sugars like lactulose prematurely, releasing hydrogen that is absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled in the breath. A rise in hydrogen levels of 20 parts per million (ppm) or more above baseline within the first 90 minutes is considered a positive result for hydrogen-dominant SIBO. This overgrowth can contribute to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, and nutrient malabsorption. Identifying an early hydrogen rise helps differentiate SIBO from other gut disorders and supports personalized treatment plans using targeted antimicrobials, antibiotics, or dietary interventions such as the low FODMAP diet to restore microbial balance and improve digestive health.