Bicarbonate (CO₂)
Bicarbonate, often listed as CO₂ or total CO₂ on lab reports, is the main buffer that keeps your blood from becoming too acidic or too alkaline.
Your reading
This app uses 21–31 mmol/L. A low value means the blood is leaning acidic, which can come with kidney issues, severe diarrhea, uncontrolled diabetes or very intense exercise. A high value can follow vomiting, diuretics, or lung conditions that hold on to carbon dioxide.
What may help
- —Retesting at rest if you trained hard right before the blood draw
- —Staying hydrated, especially during illness
When to talk to a doctor
If it's outside the range on a repeat test, or comes with fast breathing, confusion or high blood sugar.
Common questions
What is Bicarbonate?
Bicarbonate, often listed as CO₂ or total CO₂ on lab reports, is the main buffer that keeps your blood from becoming too acidic or too alkaline.
What is a normal Bicarbonate level?
Daygo uses 21–31 mmol/L as the reference range. This app uses 21–31 mmol/L. A low value means the blood is leaning acidic, which can come with kidney issues, severe diarrhea, uncontrolled diabetes or very intense exercise. A high value can follow vomiting, diuretics, or lung conditions that hold on to carbon dioxide.
How can I improve my Bicarbonate?
Retesting at rest if you trained hard right before the blood draw. Staying hydrated, especially during illness.
When should I see a doctor about Bicarbonate?
If it's outside the range on a repeat test, or comes with fast breathing, confusion or high blood sugar.
Source: MedlinePlus (NIH): Basic Metabolic Panel. Reference ranges are standard adult intervals — your own lab may report a different range for your age, sex, or method. This isn't medical advice; always go by the range on your actual results and talk to a clinician about anything that concerns you.