Bicarbonate (Bicarb) Testing
How to check your Bicarbonate levels with a laboratory test
What Is A Bicarbonate Test For?
A Bicarbonate test is also known as a Total CO2 or CO2 Content test.
Bicarbonate (Bicarb) is both excreted and reabsorbed by your kidneys.
It serves to help maintain the acidity of your blood and tissues and interacts with other electrolytes (e.g. sodium, potassium, and chloride) to maintain optimum cellular chemistry.
The measurement of bicarbonate allows the estimation of your blood's acid-base balance and is an indicator of kidney performance.
Learn all about Bicarbonate Testing:
What If Bicarbonate Test Levels Are High?
This can be due to metabolic alkalosis, resulting from the loss of acid from your body - often through vomiting and dehydration. This condition leads to a pH increase in tissue. It may also be related to conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and anorexia.
Alkalosis - when your blood pH is too high - can develop into severe medical problems if left untreated.
We recommend you discuss this further with a medical professional. If you experience any acute symptoms including dizziness, difficulty breathing or confusion visit a hospital immediately.
What If Bicarbonate Test Levels Are Low?
Abnormal bicarbonate levels suggest your body is having trouble maintaining its acid-base balance or failing to remove carbon dioxide properly. There are a wide range of medical conditions that can cause low bicarbonate including hormone disorders, chronic diarrhoea, kidney disease and alcohol poisoning.
How To Test Bicarbonate?
The Bicarbonate (Bicarb) Test allows you to accurately check your levels of Bicarbonate in a fingerprick blood sample.
You can check your Bicarbonate levels by buying a laboratory test kit with a Patient Reception visit below. Your sample is then professionally analysed in an accredited laboratory for total reassurance. The Vitall Kidney Function Home Test Kit includes a Bicarbonate test and is available for just £69.
Please see the following test kit:
