Sign in →

Test Code HCO3 Bicarbonate, Serum

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Necessary Information


Patient's age and sex are required.



Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Serum gel 

Acceptable: Red top 

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial 

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL 

Collection Instructions:

1. Serum gel tube must be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. 

2. Red-top tube must be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection. 


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.25 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated 24 hours

Reference Values

Males

12-24 months: 17-25 mmol/L

3 years: 18-26 mmol/L

4-5 years: 19-27 mmol/L

6-7 years: 20-28 mmol/L

8-17 years: 21-29 mmol/L

≥18 years: 22-29 mmol/L

Females

1-3 years: 18-25 mmol/L

4-5 years: 19-26 mmol/L

6-7 years: 20-27 mmol/L

8-9 years: 21-28 mmol/L

≥10 years: 22-29 mmol/L

 

Reference values have not been established for patients that are <12 months of age.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

CPT Code Information

82374

Clinical Information

Bicarbonate is the second largest fraction of the anions in plasma. Included in this fraction are the bicarbonate (HCO3[-]) and carbonate (CO3[-2]) ions, carbon dioxide in physical solution, as well as the carbamino compounds. At the physiological pH of blood, the concentration of carbonate is 1/1000 that of bicarbonate. The carbamino compounds are also present in such low quantities that they are generally not mentioned specifically.

 

The bicarbonate content of serum or plasma is a significant indicator of electrolyte dispersion and anion deficit. Together with pH determination, bicarbonate measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous potentially serious disorders associated with acid-base imbalance in the respiratory and metabolic systems. Some of these conditions are diarrhea, renal tubular acidosis, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, hyperkalemic acidosis, renal failure, and ketoacidosis.

Report Available

Same day/1 to 2 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK

Method Name

Photometric/Enzymatic

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830) with the specimen.