C(a-v)O2 difference: CaO2 = 16, CvO2 = 12. What is C(a-v)O2?

• A. 2 mL/dL
• B. 4 mL/dL
• C. 6 mL/dL
• D. 8 mL/dL

Answer: (B)

The arteriovenous oxygen content difference measures how much oxygen is extracted by tissues as blood passes through. It’s found by subtracting the venous oxygen content from the arterial oxygen content (CaO2 − CvO2). With CaO2 = 16 mL/dL and CvO2 = 12 mL/dL, the difference is 4 mL/dL. This value reflects resting oxygen extraction and aligns with typical resting ranges.