Questions about routine blood test results

[amw4013]

I have a couple of quick questions I was hoping that some one could answer for me.  I had some routine blood work back in January and there were two things that were out of range.  I'm really not sure what they are or what the really mean.

1) My carbon dioxide was at 20 & the range is 21-33
2) My RDW was at 15.1 and the range is 11-15

I know that neither one of these is out of range by much, but I am really wondering what these two things are & what there function is.  Thanks in advance for any advice.

[kazzamatazz]

Hi not sure about the RDW, but the carbon dioxide levels just show how much CO2 is in your blood. If you have too little CO2 then Yourmuscles tend to Cramp and your limbs may start to feel tingly. If you've ever hyperventilated you'd know what I mean. To Keep your CO2 levels "normal" you should aim to take deep slow breaths (approx 10 per min)
Your levels of CO2 are nothing to Worry about