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Bicarbonate

What Is a Bicarbonate Blood Test?

A bicarbonate blood test, also known as a total CO₂ test or carbon dioxide test, measures the level of bicarbonate in your bloodstream. This test is commonly included in a routine metabolic panel and is used to evaluate the body’s acid-base balance.

Why the Bicarbonate Test Is Important

Bicarbonate plays a key role in maintaining the body's pH balance by neutralising excess acids. The test helps assess how well your lungs and kidneys are managing the body’s acid-base balance and can reveal underlying metabolic or respiratory conditions.

Normal Bicarbonate Levels

The typical reference range for bicarbonate in the blood is between 22 and 30 milliequivalents per litre (mEq/L). Abnormal values outside this range may indicate an imbalance in the body’s pH levels.

Low Bicarbonate Levels – Metabolic Acidosis

A decreased bicarbonate level may indicate metabolic acidosis, a condition in which the blood becomes too acidic. Causes of metabolic acidosis include:

Chronic kidney disease

Uncontrolled diabetes (diabetic ketoacidosis)

Severe diarrhoea

Ingestion of toxins (e.g. methanol or salicylates)

Symptoms may include:

Rapid breathing

Fatigue

Confusion

Muscle weakness

High Bicarbonate Levels – Metabolic Alkalosis

An increased bicarbonate level may indicate metabolic alkalosis, a condition where the blood becomes too alkaline. Common causes include:

Prolonged vomiting

Use of diuretics or certain medications

Loss of stomach acid during surgical procedures

Symptoms may include:

Muscle twitching

Nausea

Vomiting

Bicarbonate Blood Testing in Slough and Surrounding Areas

Private bicarbonate blood testing is available in Slough, Windsor, Langley, Maidenhead, and surrounding Berkshire areas. Whether you require routine health screening or need to investigate symptoms linked to acid-base imbalance, local blood test services in Slough offer fast and reliable testing to support accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plans.

There is an additional £20 phlebotomy fee for every donation.