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Choose collection locationBiochemistry · Individual laboratory test
Bicarbonates (CO2)
The CO₂ value on a chemistry report mainly reflects bicarbonate, a buffer that helps keep blood acidity within a narrow range.
Price for this test on its ownAED 140Test price AED 40
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Bicarbonates (CO2) test measure?
Also called Blood Bicarbonate (CO2)
A clinician may order bicarbonate with electrolytes when investigating prolonged vomiting, altered breathing or a kidney-related change in acid–base balance.
When it may be requested
Kidney follow-up
The kidneys influence bicarbonate balance, making it useful in a wider renal assessment.
Fluid losses
Changes during vomiting or diarrhoea may become clearer when bicarbonate is compared with chloride.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
No special fast is normally required for bicarbonate alone. Hydrate as usual and keep your hand relaxed during collection. Mention vomiting, breathing changes or diuretics.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guideBicarbonates (CO2)
Reading your result
A high or low value indicates a change in the balance of acids and bases. The other electrolytes and, where indicated, blood gas measurements help explain how it arose.
What can affect it
- The chemistry result cannot replace a blood gas measurement when the clinical question concerns ventilation or blood acidity directly.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testBicarbonates (CO2)
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Bicarbonates (CO2) in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
If bicarbonate is unexpected, review recent vomiting, breathing changes and the accompanying chloride and sodium results.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Is this the same as the carbon dioxide in a lung test?
This chemistry test mainly reflects bicarbonate in the blood. When breathing or acid–base balance is the question, a clinician may also need blood gas measurements and other electrolytes.
What does a high bicarbonate level mean?
A high bicarbonate usually means the body has lost acid or the kidneys are holding on to bicarbonate. Repeated vomiting, diuretics, significant dehydration and heavy antacid use are common causes, and in chronic lung disease the kidneys retain bicarbonate to offset retained carbon dioxide. Less often, excess aldosterone or another adrenal disorder is responsible.
Can medicines affect my bicarbonate result?
Yes. Diuretics and heavy or prolonged use of antacids tend to raise bicarbonate, while some medicines used for glaucoma, epilepsy and migraine can lower it. Steroids can also shift the balance. Tell the team about diuretics, antacids, steroids and any recent vomiting or diarrhoea, and do not stop a prescribed medicine before the test unless your doctor advises it.
What can a low bicarbonate result mean?
It can fall when acidic substances build up in the blood, as in diabetic ketoacidosis, or after prolonged diarrhoea causes bicarbonate loss. A change in breathing can also affect it. The accompanying electrolytes and sometimes a blood gas help distinguish these situations.
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Your next step
Bicarbonates (CO2) test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.