Bicarbonate

Test Overview

A bicarbonate (HCO3) test measures the level of bicarbonate in the blood. Bicarbonate is a chemical (buffer) that keeps the pH of blood from becoming too acidic or too basic.

Bicarbonate is not usually tested by itself. It may be done on a blood sample taken from a vein as part of a panel of tests that looks at other electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. It is often done along with a carbon dioxide test or as part of an arterial blood gas (ABG) test. For an arterial blood gas study, the blood sample is taken from an artery.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: June 17, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
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