What Are Normal Hco3 Levels

Arterial blood pH: 7.38 to 7.42. Oxygen saturation (SaO2): 94% to 100% Bicarbonate (HCO3): 22 to 28 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L)

What does a high HCO3 level mean?

A high level of bicarbonate in your blood can be from metabolic alkalosis, a condition that causes a pH increase in tissue. Metabolic alkalosis can happen from a loss of acid from your body, such as through vomiting and dehydration.

Does HCO3 increase pH?

HCO3- level denotes metabolic/kidney effect. An elevated HCO3- is raising the pH and vice versa. If the pH is acidotic, look for the number that corresponds with a lower pH. If it is a respiratory acidosis, the CO2 should be high.