Bicarbonate is the second largest fraction of the anions in plasma. Included in this fraction are the bicarbonate (HCO3-) and carbonate (CO32-) ions, as well as the carbamino compounds. At the physiological pH of blood, the concentration of carbonate is 1/1000 that of bicarbonate. The carbamino compounds are also present in such low quantities that they are generally not mentioned specifically. The bicarbonate content of serum or plasma is a significant indicator of electrolyte dispersion and anion deficit. Together with pH determination, bicarbonate measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous potentially serious disorders associated with acid-base imbalance in the respiratory and metabolic systems.
Bicarbonate can not be requested as an add-on testas samples are required to be anaerobic.
