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Clinical Biochemistry

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Bicarbonate

Also known as: HCO3-

Specimen requirements

Adult sample type: Serum (gold/yellow top SST)

Paediatric sample type: Plasma (orange top paediatric tube)

Collection requirements: Specimen must be separated and analysed within four hours of collection

Cost

Price on application

Turnaround time

Please see Turnaround times

Analytical method

Spectrophotometry

Analysis undertaken at these site(s)

  • John Radcliffe Hospital
  • Churchill Hospital
  • Horton General Hospital

Reference intervals

Female

< 4 weeks: 13 - 22 mmol/L
4 weeks - 15 years: 20 - 28 mmol/L
16 - 59 years: 22 - 29 mmol/L
> 59 years: 23 - 31 mmol/L

Male

< 4 weeks: 13 - 22 mmol/L
4 weeks - 15 years: 20 - 28 mmol/L
16 - 59 years: 22 - 29 mmol/L
> 59 years: 23 - 31 mmol/L

Last reviewed:27 January 2023