Description
Bicarbonates are one of the anion fractions in blood plasma, comprising bicarbonate (HCO3) and carbonate (CO3) ions, as well as carbamino compounds. The bicarbonate content in the blood reflects electrolyte disturbances and anion deficit. It is one of the main indicators of the blood acid-base balance (blood pH).
Bicarbonate is an electrolyte, a negatively charged ion used by the body to maintain the acid-base balance (pH) in the body. It also works with other electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride) to maintain electrical neutrality at the cellular level. This test measures the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, which occurs mainly in the form of bicarbonate (HCO3-). CO2 is primarily a by-product of various metabolic processes.
Measuring bicarbonate as part of an electrolyte or metabolic panel can help diagnose electrolyte imbalance, acidosis, or alkalosis. Acidosis and alkalosis are abnormal conditions resulting from an imbalance in blood pH caused by an excess of acid or alkali. This imbalance is usually caused by an underlying condition or disease.
Period of execution
Within 4 days. The specified time does not include the day of biomaterial collection
Biomaterial type