INTERPRETING ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS VALUES

It only reflects changes in the bicarbonate buffer system, the most important of the blood buffers. In Calgary the normal range is 20 - 24 . If the bicarbonate is < 20 = acidemia. If the bicarbonate is >24 = alkalemia. B.E/B.D. the Base Excess or Base Deficit - reflects the change in all blood buffering systems. ................
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