Acid-Base Calculator

Category: Other Health
- October 11, 2025
| |

Calculate acid-base status and diagnose disorders based on arterial blood gas (ABG) values. This calculator helps interpret pH, PaCO2, HCO3-, and other values to identify metabolic and respiratory disorders.

Enter Patient Values

units
mmHg
mEq/L
mEq/L
mEq/L
mEq/L
g/dL
mmHg
%

Optional Parameters

mmol/L
mg/dL
mg/dL

Patient Demographics

years
°C

Advanced Options

About Acid-Base Disorders

Acid-base disorders are disturbances in the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration that can be potentially serious if not recognised and treated properly. The body maintains a normal pH through respiratory and metabolic mechanisms.

Primary Acid-Base Disorders
  • Respiratory Acidosis: pH < 7.35, PaCO₂ > 45 mmHg
  • Respiratory Alkalosis: pH > 7.45, PaCO₂ < 35 mmHg
  • Metabolic Acidosis: pH < 7.35, HCO₃⁻ < 22 mEq/L
  • Metabolic Alkalosis: pH > 7.45, HCO₃⁻ > 26 mEq/L
Compensation Mechanisms

The body attempts to normalise pH through compensatory mechanisms:

  • Respiratory Compensation: Changes in ventilation to adjust PaCO₂
  • Metabolic Compensation: Renal adjustments to bicarbonate levels
Anion Gap

The anion gap helps differentiate causes of metabolic acidosis:

  • Normal (8-12 mEq/L): Non-anion gap metabolic acidosis (NAGMA)
  • Elevated (>12 mEq/L): Anion gap metabolic acidosis (AGMA)
Delta Ratio

The delta ratio helps identify mixed metabolic disorders:

  • Delta Ratio < 0.8: AGMA with concurrent NAGMA
  • Delta Ratio 0.8-1.2: Simple AGMA
  • Delta Ratio > 1.2: AGMA with concurrent metabolic alkalosis
Common Causes of Acid-Base Disorders
  • Respiratory Acidosis: Hypoventilation, COPD, sedatives
  • Respiratory Alkalosis: Hyperventilation, anxiety, sepsis
  • Metabolic Acidosis (AGMA): Ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, renal failure, toxins
  • Metabolic Acidosis (NAGMA): Diarrhoea, RTA, ureterosigmoidostomy
  • Metabolic Alkalosis: Vomiting, diuretics, hypokalemia

Understanding the Acid-Base Calculator

The Acid-Base Calculator is a practical tool designed to help healthcare professionals assess a patient’s acid-base status. By entering specific values like pH, PaCO2, and HCO3-, users can interpret important data that indicates metabolic and respiratory disorders. This calculator not only aids in diagnosing conditions but also helps track patients' progress over time.

Key Inputs for Accurate Analysis

To use the Acid-Base Calculator effectively, you need to provide several key patient values. These include:

  • pH: Indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the blood.
  • PaCO2: Measures the pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood.
  • HCO3-: Represents bicarbonate levels in the blood.
  • Na+, K+, and Cl-: Electrolyte values important for assessing overall Health.
  • Age and Gender: Demographic factors that may influence results.

Why It Matters for Patient Care

Understanding acid-base balance is crucial in medicine. Changes in pH levels can indicate serious health issues. For instance, an acidosis condition might mean the body is unable to eliminate carbon dioxide effectively. By using the calculator, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about treatment options based on the interpretation of the results.

Displaying Results Clearly

Once you enter the required values into the Acid-Base Calculator, it presents results in a user-friendly way. These results include primary disorder identification, compensation status, and various calculations like the anion gap and corrected HCO3-. This layout allows for quick understanding and easy communication between healthcare providers.

Deep Dive into Acid-Base Disorders

The calculator also provides insights into common acid-base disorders. Here are some key types to know:

  • Respiratory Acidosis: Low pH and high PaCO2.
  • Respiratory Alkalosis: High pH and low PaCO2.
  • Metabolic Acidosis: Low pH and low HCO3-.
  • Metabolic Alkalosis: High pH and high HCO3-.

Understanding Compensation Mechanisms

The body tries to maintain balance through compensation. For instance, if the blood becomes too acidic, the lungs might try to expel more carbon dioxide. The Acid-Base Calculator can help identify whether these compensatory mechanisms are working effectively, guiding treatment plans accordingly.

Using Advanced Options for Precision

The calculator includes advanced features such as adjusting the number of decimal places and options to show calculations and interpretations. This allows healthcare professionals to tailor the output according to their preferences, ensuring that they have the precise information they need for effective patient management.

Wrapping Up the Analysis

The Acid-Base Calculator is a vital resource for understanding complex acid-base disorders. By providing clear results and interpretations, it supports healthcare professionals in delivering high-quality care. With this tool, clinicians can make well-informed decisions that benefit patient outcomes significantly.