Bicarbonate

Test Overview

A bicarbonate (HCO3) test measures the level of bicarbonate in the blood. Bicarbonate is a chemical that keeps the pH of blood from becoming too acid. If the pH level drops, HCO3 is absorbed by the kidneys and returned to the blood instead of passing out of the body in the urine.

Bicarbonate is not usually tested by itself. It may be done on a blood sample taken from a vein as part of a panel of tests that looks at other electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. It is often done along with a carbon dioxide test or as part of an arterial blood gas (ABG) test. For an arterial blood gas study, the blood sample is taken from an artery.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: August 29, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
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