🧪 Bicarbonate Deficit
Estimate the bicarbonate deficit in metabolic acidosis.
Clinical takeaway
Routine bicarbonate is reserved for specific situations.
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When to use
Gauge bicarbonate replacement when indicated.
How it works
HCO₃ deficit ≈ 0.5 × weight (kg) × (target − measured HCO₃). The bicarbonate space rises in severe acidosis.
Key points
- Routine bicarbonate is reserved for specific situations.
- Replace partially and recheck.
- Treat the underlying cause first.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Weight | 70 kg |
|---|---|
| Measured HCO₃⁻ | 14 mmol/L |
| Target HCO₃⁻ | 24 mmol/L |
→HCO₃ deficit350mmol
- Formula：0.5 × weight × (target − measured HCO₃)
- Caution：The bicarbonate space rises in severe acidosis (up to ~0.8). Replace partially and recheck.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Bicarbonate Deficit?
- Estimate the bicarbonate deficit in metabolic acidosis.
- How is Bicarbonate Deficit calculated? What is the core formula?
- HCO₃ deficit ≈ 0.5 × weight (kg) × (target − measured HCO₃). The bicarbonate space rises in severe acidosis.
- When is Bicarbonate Deficit used?
- Gauge bicarbonate replacement when indicated.
- What are the key clinical points for Bicarbonate Deficit?
- Routine bicarbonate is reserved for specific situations. Replace partially and recheck. Treat the underlying cause first.
- What are the limits and cautions when using Bicarbonate Deficit?
- For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
- How is Bicarbonate Deficit calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Weight 70 kg, Measured HCO₃⁻ 14 mmol/L, Target HCO₃⁻ 24 mmol/L → Result: HCO₃ deficit 350 mmol（Formula: 0.5 × weight × (target − measured HCO₃), Caution: The bicarbonate space rises in severe acidosis (up to ~0.8). Replace partially and recheck.）