Estimate the bicarbonate deficit in metabolic acidosis from serum bicarbonate, body weight and target — plus the equivalent volume of 8.4% solution.
Result
How to use this tool
Serum bicarbonate in mEq/L (same as mmol/L).
In kg or lb.
Defaults 24 mEq/L and 0.5 L/kg, adjustable in Advanced.
In mEq and in ml of 8.4% solution.
Formula & worked example
Bicarbonate 12, target 24, weight 70 kg and factor 0.5 gives (24−12) x 0.5 x 70 = 420 mEq, equal to 420 ml of 8.4% sodium bicarbonate (1 mEq/ml).
Limitations — read this before you rely on it
Educational aid only, using the standard bicarbonate deficit formula. It is not medical advice, not a treatment order, and does not replace clinical assessment of acidosis: bicarbonate therapy is clinician-determined and can harm if misused. Severe acidosis needs urgent medical care.
Frequently asked questions
The estimated amount of bicarbonate needed to raise serum bicarbonate to a target, used as a guide in metabolic acidosis.
Commonly 0.5 L/kg in acidosis (some sources use 0.3). The tool defaults to 0.5 and lets you change it, since the true space varies.
8.4% sodium bicarbonate contains 1 mmol (1 mEq) of bicarbonate per millilitre, so the deficit in mEq equals the volume in ml.
No — many acidoses are treated by fixing the cause and ventilation, not by bicarbonate. The decision is clinical.
24 mEq/L is the usual target here, adjustable in Advanced options. Targets differ by patient and situation.