Bicarbonate

Specimen

Serum

Lab Tests Online

Click here

Units

mmol/L

Reference Range

22 – 29 mmol/L

Test Usage

Also known as total CO², this is a crude acid-base measure. In metabolic acidosis, bicarbonate is reduced, e.g. in diabetic ketoacidosis.

In metabolic alkalosis, it is increased . as in pyloric stenosis or the compensated respiratory acidosis of chronic obstructive airways disease.

Serum bicarbonate is not a very reliable assay from a clinical point of view, since total CO² is being measured. Arterial blood gas samples provide a more reliable indication of acid/base status.

Turnaround Time

Daily

Availability

Local test

Can be added on to an existing request up to 4 HOURS following sample receipt