Biochemistry

Preferred Sample Type

Bicarbonate

Suitable Specimen Types

Li Hep Plasma Serum

Bicarbonate

Specimen Volume

0.2 mL blood

Specimen Transport

Not applicable

Sample Preparation

Centrifuge sample on arrival. Avoid haemolysed samples.

Turnaround Time

24 Hours

Sample Processing In Laboratory

Usual

Sample Stability

Samples are stable for at 7days at 7°C to 8°C, 40 hours at 15°C to 25°C.

Bicarbonate concentration in uncapped tubes will decrease by approximately 4 mmol/L after 1 hour. Unopened samples are stable for several days if stored refrigerated.

General Information

Serum/Plasma bicarbonate measurements, combined with pH measurement are frequently used to diagnose and treat irregularities in acid-base imbalance. Bicarbonate is a major component of the acid-base buffering system in the circulation. Changes in bicarbonate concentration reflect both acute and chronic disorders in acid-base metabolism.

Patient Preparation

None

Notes

None Given

Reference Range

Adult                  22-29 mmol/L

 

 

 

Specifications

  • EQA Status:

    NEQAS

  • EQAS Scheme: Yes

Link to Further Information

https://pinboard.in/u:duty_biochemist/t:Bicarbonate/ https://pinboard.in/u:duty_biochemist/t:bicarbonate/

Related Tests

Creatinine Potassium (serum) Sodium Urea (Serum)

Creation Date

Monday, 08 August 2011

Modification Date

Thursday, 24 May 2018

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Protection of Personal Information – Clinical Laboratory Services comply with the Trust Data Protection Policy and have procedures in place to allow the Directorate and it’s employees to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and associated best practice and guidance.

University Hospitals Birmingham medical laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited to the ISO 15189:2012 standard. For a list of accredited tests and other information please visit the UKAS website using the following link: https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/

  • Molecular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8759
  • Biochemistry is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8910
  • Haematology and Transfusion is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8784
  • Clinical Microbiology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8760
  • Cellular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 10141
  • Musculoskeletal laboratory is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 9897
  • Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospital pathology laboratories are a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No.8217.

Tests not appearing on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation currently remain outside of our scope of accreditation. However, these tests have been validated to the same high standard as accredited tests and are performed by the same trained and competent staff.

For further test information, please visit the test database: http://qehbpathology.uk/test-database

For further information contact Louise Fallon, Quality Manager, 0121 371 5962