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: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated July 28, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
 | Test Overview |
| Why It Is Done | |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
| Results | |
| What Affects the Test | |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |
| Credits | |