Contents:
- Medical Video: Fally Ipupa - Bicarbonate
- What is bicarbonate?
- When do I have to undergo bicarbonate?
- What should I know before undergoing bicarbonate?
- What should I do before undergoing bicarbonate?
- How is the bicarbonate process?
- What should I do after undergoing bicarbonate?
- What do the test results mean?
Medical Video: Fally Ipupa - Bicarbonate
Definition
What is bicarbonate?
Bicarbonate tests, or often called CO2 tests, are used to detect electrolyte imbalances or changes in pH in the blood. This test is part of a series of tests used to analyze the kidneys (renal profile).
Bicarbonate tests can be done as part of a routine physical examination or may be recommended if you experience symptoms such as:
- weak
- dizzy
- prolonged vomiting
- difficulty breathing
These symptoms are a result of electrolyte imbalance, or acidosis, or alkalosis (where acid or base levels are high in body fluids and tissues).
When do I have to undergo bicarbonate?
Carbon dioxide or bicarbonate tests can see conditions that affect blood bicarbonate levels, including some kidney, lung and metabolic conditions.
This test is often used as one of the blood tests in a laboratory that can help see the causes of symptoms of the disease.
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing bicarbonate?
Some drugs can increase bicarbonate levels such as: fludrocortisone, barbiturates, bicarbonates, hydrocortisone, loop diuretics and steroids. Drugs that can reduce bicarbonate levels: methicillin, nitrofurantoin, tetracycline, thiazide diuretics, and triamterene. The doctor will provide an explanation if a problem is found. Carbon dioxide (bicarbonate) tests can also be carried out using arterial blood samples to do Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) tests.
Process
What should I do before undergoing bicarbonate?
You do not need to make special preparations before the test. Some treatments can affect test results.
The doctor will inform you if you need to stop taking the drug before undergoing the test. Do not stop or replace drugs before informing the doctor.
Consult your doctor if you have specific concerns about the test, the risk, how the test is done, and the results of the test.
How is the bicarbonate process?
The medical personnel who are in charge of taking your blood will take the following steps:
- wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop the blood flow. This makes the blood vessels under the bond enlarge making it easier to inject needles into the vessels
- clean the part to be injected with alcohol
- inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be needed.
- attach the tube to the syringe to fill it with blood
- remove the ties from your arms when taking blood is enough
- attach gauze or cotton to the injected part, after the injection is finished
- put pressure on the part and then put on a bandage.
What should I do after undergoing bicarbonate?
You can do activities as usual after taking the test. Doctors can submit other tests to see the conditions in more detail. Test results can be known after 1 or 2 days.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
Normal level is around 23-29 mEq / L.
Normal ranges can vary in different laboratories. Consult your doctor about the results of your test.
Bicarbonate levels that are higher or lower than normal levels can indicate that the body has difficulty maintaining an acidic and basic balance, or that the electrolyte balance is disrupted due to lack of or retaining fluid. This may be caused by several dysfunctions.
Some causes of low bicarbonate levels:
- Addison's disease
- chronic diarrhea
- ketoacidosis diabetes
- metabolic acidosis
- Kidney illness
- ethylene glycol or methanol poisoning
- Salicylate overdose (aspirin)
Increased levels of bicarbonate can be caused by:
- severe vomiting
- lung disease, such as COPD
- Cushing's syndrome
- Conn's syndrome
- metabolic alkalosis
Some laboratories can use measurements or test different specimens.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
