What is the normal bicarb (HCO3) level in arterial and capillary blood?

The normal bicarbonate (HCO3) level in arterial and capillary blood is 22-26 mEq/L. This range is essential in assessing the acid-base balance in the body, particularly in neonatal care. Bicarbonate acts as a primary buffer in the blood, helping to regulate pH by neutralizing excess acids.

Maintaining bicarbonate levels within this range is crucial for neonatal patients, as deviations can indicate metabolic imbalances. For example, lower levels may suggest a metabolic acidosis condition, while higher levels could be indicative of metabolic alkalosis. Understanding the normal values assists healthcare providers in diagnosing and managing various conditions effectively.

In the context of neonatal intensive care, familiarity with these normal ranges enables nurses and healthcare providers to monitor trends in a patient's blood gas results and intervene when necessary to ensure optimal care and outcomes for the newborn.