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Bicarbonate Test - Serum
No special precautions
Sample Type
Blood
Recommended for
Male, Female
Report
Within 24 Hours
Blood test at Home
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Accurate & Quality Test Reports
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Bicarbonate Test - Serum Details in Brief
| Also Known As | Bicarbonate, Serum; Total CO₂ Test; HCO₃⁻ Test |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To assess acid-base balance and evaluate kidney, lung, or metabolic function |
| Preparation | No special preparation required |
| Fasting | Not required |
| Reporting Time | After 4 hours |
| Cost | 760 |
What is a Bicarbonate Test?
A bicarbonate test measures the amount of bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) in your blood to help assess how well your body maintains its acid-base (pH) balance. This balance is crucial for proper functioning of your organs and cells.
Bicarbonate acts as a natural buffer that prevents your blood from becoming too acidic or too alkaline. This test, sometimes called a total CO₂ test, is performed using a small blood sample. It helps doctors diagnose and monitor conditions like metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, kidney disease, and lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The results of the bicarbonate test are vital for understanding how well your lungs and kidneys work together to maintain a healthy blood pH level.
What Does a Bicarbonate Test Measure?
The bicarbonate test provides key information about your body’s acid-base regulation and overall metabolic health:
- Assesses acid-base balance: Indicates whether your blood is too acidic or too alkaline.
- Evaluates kidney and lung function: Helps determine how well these organs are maintaining normal pH.
- Detects metabolic disorders: Aids in diagnosing conditions like metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.
- Monitors electrolyte balance: Often performed alongside sodium, potassium, and chloride tests.
- Guides treatment: Helps monitor therapy for kidney disease, COPD, diabetes, and dehydration.
Bicarbonate Test: Who Needs It and Why It’s Done
What Symptoms May Call for a Bicarbonate Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Rapid or shallow breathing
- Confusion or dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle twitching or cramps
- Excessive thirst or dehydration
Who Should Get a Bicarbonate Test?
This test is suitable for:
- Individuals with suspected electrolyte imbalance or acid-base disorders
- Patients with kidney or lung disease
- People with uncontrolled diabetes or severe diarrhoea and vomiting
- Individuals undergoing treatment for metabolic disorders or dehydration
- Hospitalised patients requiring regular blood gas monitoring
Why is a Bicarbonate Test Done?
The bicarbonate test helps your doctor understand if your body’s acid-base balance is disrupted. It identifies whether the imbalance originates from metabolic (kidney-related) or respiratory (lung-related) causes, enabling accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Importance of a Bicarbonate Test
A bicarbonate test plays a critical role in evaluating your body’s chemical balance. Abnormal bicarbonate levels can affect heart rhythm, breathing, and organ function. Detecting these imbalances early allows doctors to manage underlying causes such as kidney disease, respiratory failure, or metabolic disorders effectively.
It is also an important part of routine electrolyte panels used in emergency and critical care.
Bicarbonate Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare
How to Book the Bicarbonate Test and Get Your Reports?
- Simple Online Booking
Book your bicarbonate test easily through the Metropolis Healthcare website or app. Choose a suitable time slot for lab or home sample collection. - Safe Home Sample Collection
A trained phlebotomist collects your blood sample safely while following strict hygiene and infection control measures. - Sample Tracking
Track your sample’s status from collection to reporting on the Metropolis Healthcare website. - Accurate Laboratory Testing
Your sample is analysed at NABL & CAP accredited Metropolis laboratories using the advanced Phosphophenolpyruvate (PEP) method. - Quick Report Delivery
Reports are delivered within hours via email, WhatsApp, or through the Metropolis Healthcare app.
Is Home Sample Collection for Bicarbonate Test Available Near You?
Yes. Metropolis Healthcare provides home sample collection services for the bicarbonate test, ensuring convenience and safety for patients who prefer testing from home.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bicarbonate Test Report?
Reports are usually available within 4 hours once the sample reaches the laboratory.
Note: Reporting time may vary depending on your location and testing load.
Where Can I See or Get Bicarbonate Test Results?
You can view and download your bicarbonate test results through the Metropolis Healthcare website, mobile app, or via email and WhatsApp. You can also collect a printed report directly from the nearest laboratory.
Interpreting Bicarbonate Test Results
What Your Bicarbonate Test Results May Indicate
|
Parameter |
Normal Range |
High Values May Indicate |
Low Values May Indicate |
|
Bicarbonate (Serum) |
22 – 29 mmol/L |
Metabolic alkalosis, lung disease (e.g. COPD), or severe fluid loss (vomiting, dehydration) |
Metabolic acidosis, kidney disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, or chronic diarrhoea |
Understanding Abnormal Bicarbonate Test Results by Parameter
|
Parameter |
High Value Interpretation |
Low Value Interpretation |
|
Bicarbonate |
Indicates excessive base in the blood, possibly due to vomiting, lung disease, or diuretic use |
Indicates acid build-up due to kidney dysfunction, diabetic ketoacidosis, or severe infection |
How Should You Prepare for a Bicarbonate Test?
The bicarbonate test is simple and requires minimal preparation:
- No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test.
- Inform your doctor: Mention any medications or supplements you are taking, especially diuretics or corticosteroids.
- Hydration: Drink water as usual before your test.
- Avoid alcohol: Refrain from consuming alcohol before testing, as it can affect results.
- Relax: Get adequate rest and inform your doctor if you are unwell.
How Is a Bicarbonate Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)
The bicarbonate test follows a standard blood collection process:
- Preparation: A band is tied around your arm to make veins visible.
- Cleaning: The puncture site is disinfected with an antiseptic solution.
- Blood Draw: A sterile needle is inserted into your vein to collect 3 ml of blood in a gel vacutainer.
- Completion: The needle is removed and pressure is applied to stop bleeding.
- Processing: Your sample is analysed using the Phosphophenolpyruvate (PEP) method to measure bicarbonate levels.
Conditions That May Affect Bicarbonate Test Accuracy
Certain factors can temporarily affect your bicarbonate test results:
- Taking diuretics, corticosteroids, or bicarbonate supplements.
- Dehydration or overhydration before the test.
- Recent vomiting,diarrhoea, or excessive exercise.
- Uncontrolled diabetes or kidney disease.
Diseases That a Bicarbonate Test Can Help Detect
A bicarbonate test helps identify or monitor the following conditions:
- Metabolic acidosis or alkalosis
- Kidney disease or renal failure
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Uncontrolled diabetes (ketoacidosis)
- Severe dehydration or shock
- Liver or metabolic disorders
- Electrolyte imbalance
Bicarbonate Test Price in Different Cities
The cost of a Bicarbonate Test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate price range for the Bicarbonate Test at Metropolis Healthcare in major Indian cities:
|
City |
Approximate Cost (INR) |
|
₹ 650 to ₹ 800 |
|
|
₹ 650 to ₹ 800 |
|
|
₹ 650 to ₹ 800 |
|
|
₹ 650 to ₹ 800 |
The Bicarbonate Test cost may vary depending on the city and the specific tests included in the panel. However, Metropolis Healthcare offers competitive Bicarbonate Test prices across major cities in India.
References
- Kraut J.A., Madias N.E. (2018). Metabolic Acidosis: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Management. Nature Reviews Nephrology, 14(10), 569–585. PMID: 30115973
- Adrogué H.J., Madias N.E. (2014). Management of Life-Threatening Acid-Base Disorders. New England Journal of Medicine, 371(19), 1821–1831. PMID: 25372087
- Liamis G., et al. (2017). Metabolic Alkalosis: Pathophysiology and Diagnosis. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 69(4), 493–500. PMID: 27825524
- Oh M.S., Carroll H.J. (2016). Disorders of Acid-Base Balance. New England Journal of Medicine, 355(3), 279–292. PMID: 16855264
Bicarbonate Test - Serum Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the Bicarbonate Test - Serum with a clear pricing structure.
The Bicarbonate Test - Serum Price in Mumbai is ₹ 760 .
We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
It measures the level of bicarbonate in your blood to evaluate your body’s acid-base balance.
No fasting is required before this test.
Yes, but inform your doctor about any medicines, especially diuretics or corticosteroids.
Low levels may indicate kidney disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, or metabolic acidosis.
High levels may suggest metabolic alkalosis or lung disease such as
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