Interpretation
It is rarely necessary to measure bicarbonate in body fluid. It is recommended that you discuss with a chemical pathologist before requesting this test.
Specimens must be kept in an anaerobic state until analysis takes place, as bicarbonate will be lost (as CO2) to the atmosphere if exposed to air.
Please note that the bicarbonate assay has not been validated for measurement on body fluid specimens. Results must be interpreted with caution.
Test Method
Bicarbonate is measured by enzymatic reaction with malate dehydrogenase and measures a decrease in absorbance. This method uses Beckman Coulter reagents.
