Metabolic acidosis: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 04:59, 17 July 2005

Revision as of 23:13, 29 August 2005

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Other tests that are relevant in this context are [[electrolyte]]s (including [[chloride]]), [[glucose]], [[renal function]] and a [[full blood count]]. Urinalysis can reveal acidity ([[salicylate]] poisoning) or alkalinity (renal tubular acidosis type I). In addition, it can show ketones in ketoacidosis.

To distinguish between the main types of metabolic acidosis, a clinical tool called the ''[[anion gap]]'' is considered very useful. It is calculated by subtracting the chloride and bicarbonate levels from the sodium plus potassium levels.

Anion gap = ( [Na⁺]+[K⁺] ) - ( [Cl^-]+[HCO₃^-] )