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Bicarbonate
Kidney
Report in 4Hrs
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No Fasting Required
Details
Bicarbonate is a key buffer in the blood that helps maintain acid–base balance (pH). It is regulated by the lungs (through CO₂ exchange) and kidneys (via reabsorption or excretion).
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Bicarbonate Test Information Guide
- Why is it done?
- Measures the level of bicarbonate (a form of carbon dioxide) in the blood to assess acid-base balance and overall metabolic function
- Evaluates kidney and respiratory function by determining how well the body maintains pH balance
- Diagnoses and monitors metabolic acidosis or alkalosis
- Part of comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) or basic metabolic panel (BMP) for routine health screening
- Monitors patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions, or gastrointestinal disorders
- Performed during emergency care to assess acute changes in acid-base balance
- Normal Range
- Normal range: 23-29 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter) in adults
- Some laboratories report: 22-26 mEq/L depending on methodology
- Low bicarbonate (< 23 mEq/L): Indicates acidemia or metabolic acidosis; kidneys may not be retaining enough bicarbonate or body is producing too much acid
- High bicarbonate (> 29 mEq/L): Indicates alkalemia or metabolic alkalosis; body is retaining too much bicarbonate or losing too much acid
- Normal values reflect balanced acid-base status with pH maintained between 7.35-7.45
- Interpretation
- Low Bicarbonate (< 23 mEq/L): Suggests metabolic acidosis where blood pH is too low; may result from kidney dysfunction, diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, or diarrheal losses
- High Bicarbonate (> 29 mEq/L): Suggests metabolic alkalosis where blood pH is too high; may result from vomiting, diuretic use, hyperaldosteronism, or excess antacid intake
- Respiratory compensation: Low bicarbonate prompts faster breathing to eliminate CO2; high bicarbonate may cause slower breathing to retain CO2
- Factors affecting results: Medication use (diuretics, antacids), diet, hydration status, breathing patterns, and kidney function all influence bicarbonate levels
- Clinical correlation necessary: Must be interpreted with blood pH, CO2 levels, and electrolyte panel for complete acid-base assessment
- Associated Organs
- Primary organs involved: Kidneys (regulate bicarbonate reabsorption and acid excretion), lungs (control CO2 elimination), and blood buffering systems
- Kidney disease: Impaired kidney function leads to inability to excrete acids or reabsorb bicarbonate, causing metabolic acidosis
- Respiratory disorders: COPD, asthma, or pneumonia can affect CO2 elimination and cause secondary acid-base disturbances
- Gastrointestinal disorders: Diarrhea causes bicarbonate loss; vomiting causes loss of hydrochloric acid leading to alkalosis
- Endocrine disorders: Diabetes mellitus (diabetic ketoacidosis), hyperaldosteronism can affect acid-base balance
- Complications of abnormalities: Severe acidosis can cause cardiac arrhythmias, altered consciousness, and multi-organ failure; alkalosis can cause muscle weakness and neurological complications
- Follow-up Tests
- Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis to measure pH, CO2, and oxygen levels for comprehensive acid-base assessment
- Electrolyte panel (sodium, potassium, chloride) to identify contributing electrolyte imbalances
- Kidney function tests (BUN, creatinine) if renal dysfunction is suspected
- Glucose and ketone testing for suspected diabetic ketoacidosis
- Lactate levels if lactic acidosis is suspected
- Urine electrolytes and anion gap calculation for further acid-base classification
- Repeated bicarbonate measurement in chronic conditions; monitoring frequency depends on underlying diagnosis and treatment
- Chest X-ray or pulmonary function tests if respiratory cause is suspected
- Fasting Required?
- No fasting required
- Bicarbonate measurement is not affected by food or drink intake and can be performed at any time of day
- If bicarbonate is part of a comprehensive metabolic panel, fasting for 10-12 hours may be recommended to ensure accurate glucose and lipid measurements
- Continue all regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by healthcare provider
- Normal hydration status is recommended; maintain regular water intake
- In emergency situations, bicarbonate testing can be performed immediately regardless of fasting status
- No special preparation needed; patient may sit or lie during blood draw
How our test process works!
