Latent Metabolic Acidosis: Test and Diagnosis

2nd-order laboratory parameters–depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc.–for differential diagnostic clarification

  • Acid-base status with examination of pH, bicarbonate, blood pCO2 partial pressure, and baseexcess [latent metabolic acidosis: changes in acid-base status within the normal range].
Acidoses and alkaloses
Acidosis Alkalosis
metabolic respiratory metabolic respiratory
comp. decomp. comp. decomp. comp. decomp. comp. decomp.
pH normal < 7,36 normal < 7,36 normal > 7,44 normal > 7,44
HCO3- ↓ ↓ ↑ normal to (↑) ↑ ↑ ↓ normal to (↓)
pCO2 ↓ normal to (↓) ↑ ↑ ↑ normal to (↑) ↓ ↓
pO2 → → ↓ ↓ → → → ↓

Legend

  • Comp. (= compensated)
  • Decomp. (= decompensated)
  • ↓ (= decreased), ↑ (= increased), → (= unchanged).