Lab

Base Excess

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Base Excess, Base Deficit

  • Calculation
  1. Base Excess = (Actual_pH - Predicted_pH) * 67
  2. Calculate predicted pH based on PaCO2 (see Blood Gas)
  • Interpretation
  • Normal
  1. Range: -2 to +2 meq/L
  • Interpretation
  • General
  1. Positive (Base Excess)
    1. Metabolic Alkalosis
  2. Negative (Base Deficit)
    1. Metabolic Acidosis
  • Interpretation
  • Neonatology
  1. Severe Acidosis (Base Excess < -10)
    1. Calculate Total Body Bicarbonate deficit
      1. Deficit = (Base Deficit) x (Weight in kg) x 0.3
    2. Administer 25% of bicarbonate deficit (~1 meq/kg)