Bicarbonate

Abstract

Bicarbonate is a laboratory value of considerable importance in emergency medicine. It is essential in the diagnosis of acid-base disorders, but must be interpreted in the context of a number of other parameters, including electrolytes, arterial blood gases, and renal function. As most laboratory evaluations, its prime importance is confirmation of impressions drawn from the history and physical examination. Still, in the emergency department, it is frequently found as an unsuspected component of a variety of pathologic processes. Except in extreme deviations from the normal range, the clinician is encouraged to seek an understanding of primary and compensatory processes before the initiation of therapy.