Base excess - arterial blood
Last updated: Saturday, 13, March, 2004
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| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | 1 mL arterial blood collected anaerobically in a heparinised syringe (sufficient for oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH measurements) and transported rapidly to the laboratory in a capped syringe with needle removed. |
| Method | Derived parameter from pH, pCO2 and haemoglobin measurements; calculated routinely with blood gas analysis. |
| Reference Interval | (-3) to (+3) mmol/L. |
| Application | Assessment of the metabolic component of acid-base disorders. |
| Interpretation | Base excess is increased in metabolic alkalosis (primary or secondary to respiratory acidosis) and is decreased in metabolic acidosis (primary or secondary to respiratory alkalosis). |
| Reference | Siggaard-Andersen O. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 1971; 27: 239-245. |