Test Details & Preparation

• Bicarbonate testing is done as part of an electrolyte panel to identify or monitor an electrolyte imbalance or acid-base (pH) imbalance.


• Bicarbonate testing is performed as a routine physical or as recommended by your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms such as weakness, confusion, prolonged vomiting, or respiratory distress that could indicate an electrolyte imbalance or acidosis or alkalosis.


• A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm for Bicarbonate testing.


• No preparation is required for Bicarbonate testing.


• When bicarbonate levels are higher or lower than normal, it suggests that the body is having trouble maintaining its acid-base balance or that someone has upset their electrolyte balance, perhaps by losing or retaining fluid. Both of these imbalances may be due to a wide range of dysfunctions.


• Some of the causes of a low bicarbonate level include Addison’s disease, chronic diarrhoea, diabetic ketoacidosis, kidney disease, methanol poisoning, etc.


• Increased bicarbonate level may be due to severe vomiting, lung diseases, including COPD, Cushing syndrome, etc.