Plasma bicarbonate concentration (HCO₃⁻ (bicarbonate))

Plasma bicarbonate concentration is a diagnostic measurement indicating the level of bicarbonate ion in blood plasma, which is essential for acid-base buffering in the body. It reflects the balance between acid production, kidney excretion/reabsorption, and respiratory removal of CO₂ through conversion by carbonic anhydrase. Normal adult values typically range from 22–29 mmol/L. Changes in plasma bicarbonate are not themselves direct targets for pharmacological intervention but are valuable markers for disease states including metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, kidney dysfunction, and as prognostic indicators in cardiovascular and renal disease.

Other names

Plasma total CO₂Serum bicarbonateTotal CO₂ (in context of metabolic panels)

Sodium bicarbonate increases plasma bicarbonate, buffering blood pH. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce bicarbonate reabsorption in kidneys, increasing bicarbonate excretion. Other interacting drugs like diuretics may influence acid-base status indirectly.