All you need to know about testing Bicarbonate levels with a laboratory 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.
By buying a laboratory test kit with professional nurse or clinic collection, you can accurately measure Bicarbonate for total reassurance.
Professional analysis in an accredited laboratory ensures rapid result delivery.
Tests which include a Bicarbonate test:
This result can be linked to metabolic alkalosis, which can occur when acid is lost from the body, often through vomiting and dehydration. This can lead to an increase in tissue pH.
It may also be related to conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, where lung disease can result in increased acid in the blood, and the kidneys reabsorb more bicarbonate to help maintain normal acid–base balance.
Alkalosis (when blood pH is too high) can develop into severe medical problems if left untreated. This finding is often reviewed further to clarify the cause. Dizziness, difficulty breathing, and confusion are examples of symptoms that may be associated.
Low bicarbonate can indicate difficulty maintaining the body’s acid–base balance. A wide range of medical conditions can be associated with low bicarbonate, including hormone disorders, chronic diarrhoea, kidney disease, and alcohol poisoning.
Because low bicarbonate is linked with many different conditions, this finding is often reviewed further to help clarify the cause. Acute symptoms that can occur in this context include dizziness, difficulty breathing, or confusion.
Measure your Bicarbonate levels and with a nurse or clinic test kit
You get the convenient testing with the reassurance of professional clinical analysis. Your results are delivered quickly & securely online.
This Test is advised if you:
No, this test is not suitable for self-collection due to the sample’s instability during postal transit, which could compromise the analysis results.
To address this, we offer a specialised mobile nursing service. A professional nurse will come to your home to collect the sample and carry out essential pre-processing procedures that guarantee the sample remains stable and viable for mailing.
Alternatively, you can choose to have the analysis conducted by visiting the London Patient Reception, where all processing and collection are handled on-site for optimal accuracy.
Dr. Shahzaib Ahmad MBBS, BSc, MRCP, FRCA, FFICM
Clinical Supervisor - Vitall|GMC 7495062|Profile
Reviewed on 03/02/2026
Next review due 03/02/2027
Review focus: Blood biomarkers, laboratory testing methodology, and biochemical interpretation.
All Testing Is Conducted In UKAS Accredited Laboratories.
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Company number: 1126 3709
