Normal Reference Ranges
Adult
-2 to +2 mEq/L
Pediatric
-2 to +2 mEq/L
Clinical Significance
Indicates the amount of strong acid or base required to return the pH to 7.4. Extremely useful for rapidly quantifying the severity of a metabolic disturbance.
Causes of High
- Metabolic alkalosis (Base Excess > +2)
Causes of Low
- Metabolic acidosis (Base Deficit < -2)