This test is used to determine the amount of bicarbonate, called
HCO3 (H for hydrogen, C for carbon, 03 for 3 oxygen molecules),
in the blood. This test is ordered to help diagnose a wide
variety of disorders in the body's basic functioning. This may
include problems with the kidney, adrenal gland, stomach and
bowels (either vomiting or diarrhea) ,or lungs. It is also
helpful in diagnosing some types of poisonings. For example,
people who drink radiator fluid (ethylene glycol) inadvertently
or in a suicide attempt develop a severe acidosis, and
therefore, drop there C02 or bicarbonate level. A sample of
blood is taken in order to measure the CO2 level. The blood is
usually drawn from a vein in the forearm or the hand. First, the
skin over the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic. Next, a rubber
tube called a tourniquet is tied around the upper arm. This
enlarges the veins in the lower arm by restricting blood flow
through them. A very thin needle is gently inserted into a vein,
and the tourniquet is removed. Bl