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🧪 Acid-Base Compensation Predictor

UseIdentify mixed acid-base disorders on a blood gas by comparing measured with expected compensation.

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SourceBerend K, et al. Physiological approach to assessment of acid-base disturbances. NEJM 2014

Runs locally in your browser (no PHI uploaded). For licensed clinicians — not a substitute for clinical judgement.
Stored on this device for revisit reminders

This-shift next steps

After scoring: open the scene pack, peer scores, and the matching pathway. Local reference — no HIS write.

Score + version; reference only — not a substitute for care · no HIS write

Paste the link in Slack, Teams, X, or LinkedIn — the preview image comes from this page’s Open Graph card.

Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
Clinical takeaway

Compensation never overcorrects — values beyond the expected range mean a mixed disorder.

When to use

Identify mixed acid-base disorders on a blood gas by comparing measured with expected compensation.

How it works

Metabolic acidosis: expected PaCO₂ = 1.5·HCO₃ + 8 (Winter's). Metabolic alkalosis: 0.7·HCO₃ + 21. Acute/chronic respiratory acidosis & alkalosis use fixed HCO₃ change per 10 mmHg PaCO₂.

Key points

  • Compensation never overcorrects — values beyond the expected range mean a mixed disorder.
  • Always interpret with pH and the anion gap.
  • Winter's formula carries ± 2 mmHg uncertainty.

References

Worked calculation

The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.

Primary disorderAcute respiratory acidosis
HCO₃⁻ (for metabolic disorders)12 mmol/L
PaCO₂ (for respiratory disorders)60 mmHg

→Expected HCO₃⁻26.0mmol/L

  • Rule:Acute: HCO₃ ↑ 1 per 10 ↑ PaCO₂
Primary disorderChronic respiratory alkalosis
HCO₃⁻ (for metabolic disorders)12 mmol/L
PaCO₂ (for respiratory disorders)60 mmHg

→Expected HCO₃⁻32.0mmol/L

  • Rule:Chronic: HCO₃ ↓ 4 per 10 ↓ PaCO₂
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the limits and cautions when using Acid-Base Compensation Predictor?
For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
Does Acid-Base Compensation Predictor upload patient data? Where is it calculated?
Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.
How is Acid-Base Compensation Predictor calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
Inputs: Primary disorder Acute respiratory acidosis, HCO₃⁻ (for metabolic disorders) 12 mmol/L, PaCO₂ (for respiratory disorders) 60 mmHg → Result: Expected HCO₃⁻ 26.0 mmol/L(Rule: Acute: HCO₃ ↑ 1 per 10 ↑ PaCO₂) Inputs: Primary disorder Chronic respiratory alkalosis, HCO₃⁻ (for metabolic disorders) 12 mmol/L, PaCO₂ (for respiratory disorders) 60 mmHg → Result: Expected HCO₃⁻ 32.0 mmol/L(Rule: Chronic: HCO₃ ↓ 4 per 10 ↓ PaCO₂)
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