Bicarbonate (Total CO2)
This test measures total carbon dioxide (CO2) in your blood, most of which is bicarbonate. Bicarbonate is a buffer that helps keep your blood's acidity in a healthy range.
Your lungs and kidneys work together to keep acid and base in balance, and bicarbonate is central to that system. Its level helps your clinician spot acid-base problems that can accompany kidney, lung, or metabolic conditions.
A higher bicarbonate can reflect the body compensating for certain breathing patterns or a loss of acid, such as with prolonged vomiting. It's interpreted alongside your other electrolytes and clinical picture.
A lower bicarbonate can suggest the blood is more acidic than usual, which has many possible causes; it's evaluated in context rather than alone.
A typical range is roughly 22 to 29 mmol/L. Your clinician can interpret your result within the full panel.
Sources
Educational context only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex; always discuss your results with a clinician.