Bicarbonate Concentration in Red Blood Cells (HCO₃⁻ RBC)
This test measures the amount of bicarbonate, a key chemical in your blood that helps regulate acidity (pH). It’s often checked alongside blood pH to assess how well your body balances acids and bases.
["Bicarbonate helps maintain blood pH balance, which is crucial for normal bodily functions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16461-6
- Short code
- HCO3 RBC-sCnc
- Synonyms
- HCO3 RBC-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, confusion, or unusual breathing patterns that could suggest an imbalance in your body’s acid-base chemistry. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions affecting blood pH, such as kidney disease or metabolic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. A small sample of your blood will be drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The process is quick and typically causes only mild discomfort.
How the Results Are Interpreted
Results are compared to standard ranges for healthy adults. Abnormal levels may indicate conditions like metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, which can affect how your body processes nutrients and responds to stress.
Common Conditions Linked to Abnormal Results
High bicarbonate levels might suggest overcompensation for respiratory acidosis (e.g., due to chronic lung disease), while low levels could indicate metabolic acidosis (e.g., from kidney problems or diabetes). Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
RBC Bicarbonate Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a low bicarbonate level mean in my blood test results?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
How long will it take to get my test results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy