Reduced HCO₃
Overview
A reduced bicarbonate level less than 22 suggests the presence of a metabolic process - either primary (metabolic acidosis) or secondary (compensation for respiratory alkalosis).
Interpretation
- Reduced pH with reduced HCO₃ - suggests metabolic acidosis
- Elevated pH with reduced HCO₃ and reduced PCO₂ - suggests metabolic compensation for chronic respiratory alkalosis
- Normal pH with reduced HCO₃ and reduced PCO₂ - suggests mixed metabolic acidosis-respiratory alkalosis
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