Serum Bicarbonate (HCO3-)

Total CO2 TCO2 Carbon Dioxide Content CO2 Content Bicarb HCO3-

Why test for Serum Bicarbonate (HCO3-) at VIP Lab ?

Serum Bicarbonate (HCO3-) lab test is done as part of an electrolyte panel or metabolic panel to identify or monitor an electrolyte imbalance or acid-base (pH) imbalance. 

The tests may be used as part of a routine health exam or to help evaluate and monitor a variety of chronic or acute illnesses, such as:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung disorders
• High blood pressure (hypertension)

When acidosis or alkalosis is identified, bicarbonate tests and blood gases may be ordered to evaluate the severity of the pH imbalance. These tests help determine whether it is primarily respiratory (due to an imbalance between the amount of oxygen coming in and CO2 being released) or metabolic (due to imbalance in the amount of acid produced by the body or ability of the kidneys to remove acid from the body). They also help monitor treatment until acid-base balance is restored.