Bicarbonate (Carbon Dioxide) Test Cost & Procedure

A bicarbonate (HCO3-) test is a component of an electrolyte panel, metabolic panel, or other test intended to detect or track an acid-base (pH) imbalance or electrolyte imbalance. This examination examines the total concentration of blood carbon dioxide (CO2), which primarily takes the form of HCO3-. Diagnosing acidosis or alkalosis may also be aided by measuring HCO3- as part of an electrolyte or metabolic panel.

Why is this test recommended?

• One of the gaseous waste products of metabolism is carbon dioxide (CO2). Your blood contains more than 90% of it as bicarbonate (HCO3).
• The remaining substance is carbonic acid or dissolved carbon dioxide gas (CO2) (H2CO3). The amounts of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, and carbonic acid in your blood are balanced by your kidneys and lungs.
• This examination determines the quantity of bicarbonate present in a vein-derived blood sample.
• A substance known as bicarbonate functions as a buffer. It prevents the blood's pH from becoming excessively acidic or basic.
• Typically, bicarbonate is not tested on its own.

Preparation for the Bicarbonate Test:

You should wear a sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt to make things easier for you and the technician drawing the blood. A shirt with full sleeves that can be easily pulled up is also suitable. There is no. You should not use a typical food plan before a bicarbonate test. You're free to eat and drink as usual.

Bicarbonate Test Applications:

• Vomiting, dehydration, blood transfusions, or excessive use of bicarbonate-containing medications are among the factors that can lead to high carbon dioxide (bicarbonate) levels (especially antacids).
• Diseases including Cushing's illness, Conn's syndrome, pulmonary oedema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), anorexia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Hyperventilation, alcohol or aspirin overdose, diarrhoea, dehydration, or severe malnutrition might lead to low carbon dioxide (bicarbonate) levels.
• Hyperthyroidism, uncontrolled diabetes, a severe heart attack, liver or kidney illness.

How to Do a Bicarbonate Test?

• Three to four inches above the collection site (a superficial vein in the elbow pit), a band is placed around the arm.
• A 70% alcohol pad is used to clean the skin; a needle is then positioned next to and injected into a visible vein on the skin; blood is drawn from the hand by a nozzle, saved in a vessel, and sealed with your name; and the sample is then transported to a lab for analysis.