What are bicarbs in the blood

Question

thank you for your answer. my brother in law is in the hospital. with a brain anurisum and his blood labs showed his bicarbs was high. and he was having breathing problems.ty again

Answer 1

I think you are talking about "bicarb" which is shorthand for "bicarbonate" which is the negatively charged ion (HCO3)-

It is the major buffer in the blood, helping to keep the pH (acidity) in a constant range.  bicarbonate in the blood is in a constant equilibrium with dissolved Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in the blood, too much bicarb is excreted by the kidneys and too much CO2 is expelled by the lungs.

hope that helps. Let me know if you need something more specific.