Acid-Base Balance Terminologycontinued Clinical Chemistry Review 122
Acidosis (acidemia)
Alkalosis (alkalemia)
Compensated acidosis or alkalosis
TERM EXPLANATION
Blood pH <7.38. ↓HCO 3 −: H 2 CO 3 ratio. (Normal 20:1). May be due to ↓in HCO 3 −(metabolic
acidosis) or ↑in H 2 CO 3 (respiratory acidosis)
Blood pH >7.42. ↑HCO 3 −: H 2 CO 3 ratio. May be due to ↑in HCO 3 −(metabolic alkalosis) or ↓in
H 2 CO 3 (respiratory alkalosis)
When compensatory mechanisms have succeeded in restoring the 20:1 ratio & pH returns to nor-
mal. Kidneys compensate for respiratory problem; lungs compensate for metabolic problem
