Pathology Handbook

Recent changes for Bicarbonate
Date	Field	Changed From	Changed To
20th August 2024	Preferred Specimen Type	Serum	Blood
	Optional Specimen Type	Plasma
	Preferred Container Type	SST	Lithium Heparin (with Gel)
	Optional Container Type	Lithium Heparin (with Gel)	SST

Alternative Names:

HCO3

Laboratory:

Clinical Biochemistry

Test Code:

BIC

Specimen Types:

Blood

Container Types:

Lithium Heparin (with Gel)
SST

Collection & Request Instructions:

Retrospective testing within 12 hours

Processing Instructions:

Measurement must occur within a few hours of sampling. Bicarbonate will not be measured on old specimens.

A calculated "actual bicarbonate" is part of Blood gases.

Transport Instructions between Sites and/or Laboratories:

Room Temperature

Assay Frequency:

Daily