Bicarbonates

The bicarbonate (or total CO₂) test is usually ordered along with sodium, potassium, and chloride as part of an electrolyte panel. The electrolyte panel is used to help detect, evaluate, and monitor electrolyte imbalances and/or acid-base (pH) imbalances (acidosis or alkalosis). It may be ordered as part of a routine exam or to help evaluate a variety of chronic or acute illnesses.

Bicarbonate testing may be ordered, usually as part of an electrolyte panel, a basic metabolic panel (BMP), or a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), when a person has a routine health checkup.

When bicarbonate levels are higher or lower than normal, it suggests that the body is having trouble maintaining its acid-base balance, either by failing to remove carbon dioxide through the lungs or the kidneys or perhaps because of an electrolyte imbalance, particularly a deficiency of potassium. Both of these imbalances may be due to a wide range of conditions.

• Sample of blood serum
• We perform the test daily