Bicarbonate

Does this test have other names?

Carbon dioxide test, CO2 test

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What is this test?

This test measures the amount of bicarbonate, a form of carbon dioxide, in your blood.

Bicarbonate is also known as HCO3. It's a byproduct of your body's metabolism. Your blood brings bicarbonate to your lungs, and then it is exhaled as carbon dioxide. Your kidneys also help regulate bicarbonate. Bicarbonate is excreted and reabsorbed by your kidneys. This regulates your body's pH or acid balance. Bicarbonate also works with sodium, potassium, and chloride. These substances are called electrolytes. These are often measured at the same time as bicarbonate.

This test is often part of a comprehensive series of blood tests to check for certain health conditions.

Why do I need this test?

You may need this test to watch issues that affect pH levels in your blood. You may also have this test if you have kidney disease, liver failure, lung problems, or other conditions related to metabolism.

What other tests might I have along with this test?

You may also need several other tests. These may include:

• Arterial blood gas analysis.

• Electrolyte (sodium, potassium, and chloride) testing as part of a basic or comprehensive metabolic panel.

• Urine pH testing.

• Anion gap blood testing.

What do my test results mean?

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things. Your test results may be different depending on the lab used. They may not mean you have a problem. Ask your doctor what your test results mean for you.

Results are given in milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) or millimoles per L (mmol/L). Normal bicarbonate levels are:

• 22 to 32 mmol/L in adults  or 23 to 29 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).

A high level of bicarbonate in your blood can be from metabolic alkalosis, a condition that causes a pH increase in tissue. Metabolic alkalosis can happen from a loss of acid from your body, such as through vomiting and dehydration. It may also be related to conditions including anorexia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

A low level of bicarbonate in your blood may cause a condition called metabolic acidosis, or too much acid in the body. A wide range of conditions, including diarrhea, kidney disease, and liver failure, can cause metabolic acidosis.

How is this test done?

The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. 

Does this test pose any risks?

Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore.

What might affect my test results?

Eating acidic fruits could affect your results. Medicines that may raise your levels include:

• Fludrocortisone.

• Barbiturates.

• Bicarbonates.

• Hydrocortisone.

• Diuretics.

• Steroids.

Medicines that may lower your levels include:

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• Methicillin.

• Nitrofurantoin.

• Tetracycline.

• Thiazide diuretics.

• Triamterene.

How do I get ready for this test?

You don't need to get ready for this test. Tell your doctor about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use. Do NOT stop taking any medicine without first discussing it with your doctor. Talk to your doctor about any specific foods you need to avoid for this test.

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Hypochloremia is when the body has low levels of chloride in the blood, causing an imbalance in electrolytes. This can lead to symptoms like tiredness, dehydration, and other issues, and can happen for different reasons.

1.What is hypochloremia?

Electrolytes are substances that help control important functions in the body, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate.

When these electrolytes dissolve in water, they break into charged particles (ions). Chloride is a negatively charged ion that works with other electrolytes like sodium and potassium to help maintain fluid balance and keep the body’s pH levels stable. The most common form of chloride people consume is table salt (sodium chloride).

Hypochloremia occurs when the level of chloride in the blood is lower than normal, causing an electrolyte imbalance. This can be found through a blood test measuring chloride levels. For adults, normal chloride levels range from 98–106 mEq/L. For children, normal levels may be slightly lower, between 90–110 mEq/L. If the test shows chloride levels below these ranges, the person is diagnosed with hypochloremia.

Hypochloremia can also be diagnosed by looking at the person's medical history or medications that might cause an electrolyte imbalance. However, a blood test is the most accurate way to confirm the condition.

2.Common symptoms of hypochloremia

Low chloride levels in the blood usually don’t cause specific symptoms, but some signs of an electrolyte imbalance may appear, including:

• Dehydration and symptoms related to it.
• Weakness, fatigue, and muscle pain.
• Dyspnea  and feeling short of breath.
• Frequent diarrhea or vomiting due to dehydration.
• Low blood pressure.
• Fast heart rate.

Hypochloremia can also be linked to low sodium levels (hyponatremia)

3.What Causes Hypochloremia?

Chloride levels, like other electrolytes, are mostly controlled by the kidneys. So, most electrolyte imbalances are related to kidney function. Hypochloremia is no exception. Kidney problems, such as chronic kidney disease or urinary tract obstructions, can lead to loss of salts like sodium and chloride.

Additionally, hypochloremia can happen due to excessive use of laxatives, diuretics, nasal drainage, vomiting, or long-lasting diarrhea from problems in the small intestine. It can also result from fluid loss due to injuries, like burns.

When hypochloremia is caused by a medical condition, some possible causes include:

• Congestive heart failure.
• Chronic lung diseases, like emphysema.
• Metabolic alkalosis (when the blood’s pH is too high), which can also occur with chronic respiratory issues or cystic fibrosis.
• Cushing's syndrome.
• Malabsorption syndrome

4.How to treat hypochloremia?

Treatment for hypochloremia, like other electrolyte imbalances, depends on the person's overall health, the underlying cause, and the medications they are taking.

If hypochloremia is caused by medications, doctors may recommend stopping or adjusting the medication dosage as needed.

If low chloride is due to kidney problems or hormonal imbalances, the patient will be referred to a specialist for appropriate treatment.

In mild cases, lifestyle and dietary changes can help improve chloride levels. Some helpful tips include:

• Increase daily intake of sodium chloride (salt).
• Manage underlying health conditions well, especially heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes.
• Drink plenty of water each day.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol, as they can cause dehydration.

In general, hypochloremia occurs when chloride levels in the body are too low. This can result from vomiting, certain diseases, or medication use. In mild cases, doctors may add chloride to the patient’s treatment. For more severe cases, stronger treatments may be required.

Vinmec International General Hospital is known for its high-quality medical care, experienced doctors, and modern equipment. It provides comprehensive healthcare services in a safe and sterile environment, ensuring accurate test results.

Patients can visit any Vinmec hospital nationwide for treatment or contact the hotline for assistance.

Please dial for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

The company is the world’s best Low Chloride Sodium Bicarbonate(es,in,vi) supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Reference source: healthline.com; chemocare.com; medindia.net