Bicarbonate
Results
A bicarbonate (HCO3) test measures the level of bicarbonate in the blood.
Normal values may vary from lab to lab. Results are usually available right away.
Bicarbonate Normal: High values
High HCO3 levels may be caused by:
- Vomiting, dehydration, blood transfusions, and overuse of medicines that contain bicarbonate (especially antacids).
- Conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), heart disease, Cushing's disease, and Conn's syndrome.
- Medicines, such as water pills (diuretics) and corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone and prednisone.
Low values
Low HCO3 levels may be caused by:
- Hyperventilation, aspirin or alcohol overdose, diarrhea, dehydration, severe malnutrition, severe burns, and shock.
- Liver or kidney disease, a massive heart attack, hyperthyroidism, or uncontrolled diabetes.
- Certain medicines, such as medicine used to treat glaucoma and some antibiotics.
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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 | |