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🧪 Base Excess (Approximate SBE)

UseWhen to use: ABG teaching when comparing metabolic acid-base status beyond HCO₃ alone.

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StrataNegative BE is a base deficit cue; analyser Siggaard-Andersen BE may differ slightly with Hb.

LimitsWhen not to use: venous-only gases without caveats. · Pitfall: mixing standard BE with buffer-base reports. · Not a perfusion diagnosis alone.

SourceApproximate extracellular base excess teaching formula

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.

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Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
Clinical takeaway

HCO₃−24.8+16.2×(pH−7.4).

When to use

When to use: ABG teaching when comparing metabolic acid-base status beyond HCO₃ alone.

How it works

BE ≈ HCO₃ − 24.8 + 16.2×(pH − 7.4).

Key points

  • HCO₃−24.8+16.2×(pH−7.4).
  • ABG metabolic adjunct.
  • Next: AG / Winter / lactate.

References

  • Approximate extracellular base excess teaching formula

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.

pH7.28
HCO₃⁻16 mmol/L
PaCO₂ (optional)32 mmHg

→Approx. base excess-10.7mmol/L

  • Formula:HCO₃−24.8+16.2×(pH−7.4)
  • PaCO₂:32 mmHg (context)
  • Cue:< −6 — larger base deficit teaching band
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does Base Excess (Approximate SBE) 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 Base Excess (Approximate SBE) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
Inputs: pH 7.28, HCO₃⁻ 16 mmol/L, PaCO₂ (optional) 32 mmHg → Result: Approx. base excess -10.7 mmol/L(Formula: HCO₃−24.8+16.2×(pH−7.4), PaCO₂: 32 mmHg (context), Cue: < −6 — larger base deficit teaching band)
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