bicarbonate (hco3-) Test

Bicarbonate is chemical matter that shields and does not let the pH of the blood to get too acidic or too basic. The kidney and lungs stabilize the levels of bicarbonate in the body. If bicarbonate levels are extreme; ie too high or low, there could be a possibility of an issue with those organs. Thus the bicarbonate test is useful in assesing various conditions that affect the blood bicarbonate levels like lung disease, kidney disorders and metabolic conditions.

24 to 36 Hours

• A bicarbonate test analyses the amount of bicarbonate in a person's blood.
• It is generally ordered under speciific requirements:
• A routine check or to detect any underlying chronic or acute illness
• To diagnose an electrolyte imbalance
• To check and asses the effectiveness of treatment for any present imbalances
• To monitor conditions at regular or frequent intervals for various issues like kidney disease and hypertension
• To analyze the body’s acid-base balance (pH)
• It is also conducted in the Electrolyte panel with various tests like sodium, potassium and chloride test

Common symptoms observed are: 

• Water retention
• Dehydration 
• Weakness 
• Confusion 
• Prolonged 
• Vomiting and Respiratory distress.

Preparatory instructions during specimen collection*:

No Fasting Required.
No other special preparations required.

Specimen type:Serum(Blood Sample)

Specimen collection procedure:Venipuncture(Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm)

Bangalore, Delhi-NCR, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Lucknow, Indore.