Overview
Bicarbonate is a part of the electrolyte panel in your body that works to keep an acid-base balance in the body. A lab test for bicarbonate determines the amount of carbon dioxide in the body and rule out any possibility of it being in access or deficiency.
Why get tested?
To look over the acid-base equilibrium in the body
If you have persistent diarrhea/vomiting
As part of a routine checkup
If you’re having symptoms of alkalosis
Interpretations
The standard range of bicarbonate in the body is 23-29 mmol/L.
A lower than normal amount of bicarbonate is considered abnormal and points towards kidney disease, Addison’s disease, metabolic acidosis, overuse of Aspirin or diabetic ketoacidosis.
A higher than normal