Bicarbonate blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Bicarbonate is a form of carbon dioxide carried in the blood. It works as a buffer, soaking up or releasing acid to keep blood pH within a very narrow range. The kidneys control how much bicarbonate is kept or passed out in urine, while the lungs control how much carbon dioxide is breathed out, so both organs influence the result.

Bicarbonate is often measured with sodium, potassium and chloride as part of an electrolyte assessment. Together they help clinicians understand whether the body has too much acid or too much alkali, and why. Changes can follow prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea, kidney disease, poorly controlled diabetes, lung conditions or some medicines, including certain diuretics. The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have a long-term kidney condition and want to monitor your acid and base balance.
• You have had a spell of vomiting or diarrhoea and would like to check your electrolytes once you have recovered.
• You take diuretics or other medicines that can affect electrolytes.
• You have a lung condition that affects breathing and your clinician has asked for bicarbonate.
• You want to complete a picture of your electrolytes alongside other kidney markers.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your bicarbonate result with the laboratory reference range. A low level can point to a build-up of acid in the body, for example with kidney disease, prolonged diarrhoea or uncontrolled diabetes, or it can reflect fast breathing. A high level may follow prolonged vomiting, some diuretics or long-term lung conditions where carbon dioxide is retained.

Bicarbonate is always read alongside other electrolytes and your symptoms. Anyone who feels very unwell, confused or short of breath should seek urgent care rather than book a test. A value beyond the range is a reason for a closer look, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed for bicarbonate. Drink water as normal, and tell us about any recent illness, vomiting or diarrhoea and the medicines you take, including diuretics and antacids.

Bicarbonate is best interpreted with other kidney and electrolyte markers, which are included in our Kidney and Electrolytes (U&E) tests. For a much broader review, see Omnia Signature. Visit our page of every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a bicarbonate blood test in Chiswick?

A bicarbonate blood test costs £49 at Omnia. The price includes your sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at an accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

Is bicarbonate the same as baking soda?

Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, a chemical relative. In the blood, bicarbonate is made and controlled by your body, mainly through the kidneys, and is not related to what you cook with.

Why test bicarbonate with other electrolytes?

Comparing bicarbonate with sodium, potassium and chloride helps work out the cause of an acid and base imbalance, which a single result cannot show.

Can antacids affect my result?

Large or frequent doses of bicarbonate-containing antacids can raise the level, so let us know if you take them.