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Biochemistry Kidney Home collection available

Bicarbonate (HCO3)

Parameters1 tested
SampleBlood
FastingNot required
Report inSame day

How to prepare

No fasting needed

You can eat and drink normally before the test.

Good to know

No special preparation needed.

Medicines

Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.

Comfortable clothes

Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.

How it works

Book onlinePick a time slot
Home visitSealed, sterile kit
Lab testingBarcode tracked
ReportIn same day

About this test

Bicarbonate (HCO3) is a salt in the blood that keeps it from becoming too acidic or too alkaline. This test measures its level and is usually done with sodium, potassium and chloride to check the body's acid–base balance.

Why is this test done?

  • Check the acid–base balance of the blood
  • Look into breathing problems, vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Monitor kidney disease or diabetes complications
  • Part of an electrolyte panel in hospital patients

Symptoms — when should you get tested?

  • Long-lasting vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Fast or deep breathing
  • Confusion or drowsiness
  • Weakness and tiredness

Normal range

Adults 22 – 29 mmol/L

Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.

If your result is high

A high bicarbonate means the blood has become more alkaline (metabolic alkalosis) or the body is making up for long-standing lung disease.

Common reasons
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Water pills (diuretics)
  • Long-term lung disease (COPD)
  • Low potassium

If your result is low

A low bicarbonate means acid is building up in the blood (metabolic acidosis).

Common reasons
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Severe diarrhoea
  • Lactic acidosis in serious illness or poisoning

How is the test done?

  1. 1
    Book online

    Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.

  2. 2
    Blood sample taken

    A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.

  3. 3
    Tested in our lab

    Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.

  4. 4
    Report on WhatsApp

    A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.

Frequently asked questions

It is the same chemical, but this test measures the bicarbonate your body makes to balance acids, not what you eat.

No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.

Your report is usually ready in same day after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.

Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.

This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.

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