HCO3
bicarbonate
A salt containing the anion HCO3-, which is the most important buffer in the blood, it is regulated by the kidney, which excretes it in excess and retains it when needed; it increases with ingestion of excess anti-acids, diuretics and steroids; it is decreased with diarrhoea, liver disease, renal disease and chemical poisoning.Specimen
Bicarbonate is usually measured in serum as total CO2.
Ref range
24–26 Meq/L.