🫁 Winter's Formula (Respiratory Compensation)
UseDetect a concomitant primary respiratory disorder in metabolic acidosis.
SourceAlbert MS, Dell RB, Winters RW. Ann Intern Med 1967
This-shift next steps
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Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
Measured > expected → added respiratory acidosis.
When to use
Detect a concomitant primary respiratory disorder in metabolic acidosis.
How it works
Expected PaCO₂ = 1.5 × HCO₃ + 8 ± 2 mmHg.
Key points
- Measured > expected → added respiratory acidosis.
- Measured < expected → added respiratory alkalosis.
- Apply only to a primary metabolic acidosis.
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.
| Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) | 12 mmol/L |
|---|---|
| Measured PaCO₂ (optional) | 26 mmHg |
→Expected PaCO₂26mmHg
- Expected PaCO₂：24.0–28.0 mmHg (1.5·HCO₃ + 8 ± 2)
- Interpretation：Measured PaCO₂ within expected range → appropriate respiratory compensation.
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What are the limits and cautions when using Winter's Formula (Respiratory Compensation)?
- 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 Winter's Formula (Respiratory Compensation) 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 Winter's Formula (Respiratory Compensation) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) 12 mmol/L, Measured PaCO₂ (optional) 26 mmHg → Result: Expected PaCO₂ 26 mmHg（Expected PaCO₂: 24.0–28.0 mmHg (1.5·HCO₃ + 8 ± 2), Interpretation: Measured PaCO₂ within expected range → appropriate respiratory compensation.）