In this section of the site, information will be provided on the following:
- Overview: Introduction to acid-base and a list of definitions.
- The different types of acid-base disturbances: Metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, and mixed disturbances. We also provide more details on specific acid-base abnormalities, e.g. L- and D-lactic acidosis.
- Response: How the body responds for a primary acid-base abnormality.
- Laboratory detection of acid-base disturbances: How to collect samples and use laboratory test results to identify the acid-base abnormalities and compensatory responses.
- Chemistry tests for acid-base disturbances: More information is given on specific test results related to blood gas on the biochemical panel, such as bicarbonate and anion gap. Other important biochemical test results related to blood gas are also mentioned, including electrolytes (sodium and chloride), renal tests, protein tests and minerals (calcium, phosphate, magnesium) but have their own individual pages in other chemistry sections of this webpage.
- Strong ion approach: How this approach is used to identify acid-base abnormalities.
- Quick test interpretation: Summary tables and diagnostic algorithms for interpreting common acid-base abnormalities (not an exhaustive list).
