Test ID: HCO3
Bicarbonate, Serum
Method Description 
Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference
This is a photometric rate reaction. Bicarbonate (HCO3(-)) reacts with phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) in the presence of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) to produce oxaloacetate and phosphate. The oxaloacetate produced is coupled with NADH in the presence of malate dehydrogenase (MDH) to produce malate and NAD. The consumption of NADH causes a decrease in absorbance and is monitored in the UV range of 320 nm to 400 nm. The rate of change is directly proportional to the concentration of bicarbonate. (Package insert: Roche Bicarbonate reagent, Indianapolis, IN, July 2000)
Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.
Same day/1 day
Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result
2 days
Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded
1 week
Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test
Rochester
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