Bicarbonate Deficit Calculator

How to Use the Bicarbonate Deficit Calculator

• Enter Patient’s Weight: Provide the patient’s weight in kilograms (kg). The calculator automatically converts other units if needed.
• Input Current Bicarbonate Level: Enter the actual bicarbonate level in mmol/L.
• Set Desired Bicarbonate Level: Use the default value (24 mmol/L) or adjust based on clinical judgment.

Once the inputs are provided, the calculator uses the bicarbonate deficit formula to generate the result.

Example Calculation

Consider a patient:

• Weight: 72 kg (159 lbs)
• Current Bicarbonate Level: 19 mmol/L
• Desired Bicarbonate Level: 24 mmol/L

Using the formula:

bicarb deficit = 0.5 × weight × (desired bicarb – bicarb level)
bicarb deficit = 0.5 × 72 kg × (24 mmol/L – 19 mmol/L)
bicarb deficit = 0.5 × 72 × 5
bicarb deficit = 180 mmol/L
The patient's bicarbonate deficit is 180 mmol/L.

What’s a Healthy vs. Unhealthy Range?

• Normal Bicarbonate Levels: Typically range between 22–29 mmol/L
• Low Levels (Metabolic Acidosis): A bicarbonate level below 22 mmol/L indicates metabolic acidosis, which may result from renal issues, lactic acidosis, or other conditions.

Symptoms of Low Bicarbonate Levels (Metabolic Acidosis):

• Long and deep breathing (Kussmaul respiration)
• Fast heartbeat
• Headache, confusion, and weakness
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite

Why Use This Calculator?

• Quick and Accurate: Eliminates manual calculations with a precise formula.
• Supports Clinical Decisions: Helps assess bicarbonate supplementation needs for correcting metabolic acidosis.
• User-Friendly Interface: Input patient data and receive results instantly.
• Adjustable Parameters: Customize the desired bicarbonate level based on specific patient conditions.