COVID-19 RATs are an example of these types of tests but we are interested in the many others on the market.
The University of Wollongong is conducting a small study about them and we'd like to hear from you if you have used one or considered using one.
Simply complete a short survey at: https://uow.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeodpzn8lgSsAbI
From here, we may invite you to take part in a paid interview.
For more information, contact Dr Patti Shih: pshih@uow.edu.au
HCO3-; Total CO2; TCO2
Usually as part of a renal profile (a panel of tests which help investigate the kidney) to screen for an electrolyte or acid-base imbalance in conditions known to cause such disturbances, or to monitor a known acid-base imbalance
Bicarbonate is usually part of a routine blood test that includes electrolyte measurements. It may be requested by your doctor if you have a medical condition or are experiencing symptoms that could indicate problems with the acid-base balance of your body
A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm
None
When we breathe, we take oxygen from the air into the body, and remove carbon dioxide (CO2), a waste gas produced by cells. Most of the CO2 in the blood is converted to bicarbonate. The bicarbonate blood test is also known as “total CO2” as it measures the CO2 dissolved in the blood as bicarbonate..
Bicarbonate is an electrolyte which is dissolved in the blood. It is important in maintaining the pH of the blood within the normal range. The bicarbonate test gives your doctor a rough estimation of your body's acid-base balance. This is usually sufficient, but measurements of gases dissolved in the blood may be required if more information is needed. Bicarbonateis usually measured along with other electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and possibly chloride. This gives your doctor more information about the acid-base and electrolyte status of the blood.
A blood sample is drawn by needle from a vein in the arm.
No test preparation is needed.
Bicarbonate is almost always requested as part of an electrolyte panel/profile. In the first instance, the bicarbonate result informs your doctor about the likely acid-base status of the blood. When taken into consideration with the other electrolyte results, it is often possible to diagnose more specific types of acid-base balance disturbance.
Some of the most common reasons to measure bicarbonate include the following:
Bicarbonate results above the reference interval usually mean that your body is either losing too much acid, the lungs are failing to get rid of unwanted CO2, or that the kidneys are not getting rid of excess bicarbonate. Common causes of a high bicarbonate include:
Bicarbonate results that are below the reference interval usually indicate the build-up of acid in the blood (acidosis). Common causes of a low bicarbonate include:
Some drugs may increase bicarbonate levels such as diuretics e.g. frusemide or Lasix. Often other electrolytes will also be low e.g. sodium, potassium. Similarly some drugs may cause slightly low bicarbonate levels. Your doctor can advise if this appears to be a problem.
Occasionally a low bicarbonate may occur due to a laboratory error. This is most common if there has been a prolonged delay between collecting the sample and analysis in the laboratory, or if the specimen tube was uncapped before being analysed. Your doctor can discuss any such cases with the laboratory directly.
If your bicarbonate is high or low, your doctor will identify and treat the underlying cause. For example, high bicarbonate may be caused by emphysema, which may be treated with oxygen therapy and medications, or by severe diarrhoea or vomiting (which would be treated by treating the reason for the diarrhoea or vomiting). Low bicarbonate may be caused by diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be treated in part by treating the blood sugar problem that led to the ketoacidosis or kidney diseases.
Electrolytes, sodium, potassium, chloride
Conditions: Acidosis and alkalosis
RCPA Manual: bicarbonate
Last Review Date: May 30, 2022