Interpret ABG results with step-by-step acid-base analysis. Calculates anion gap, delta-delta ratio, Winter's formula, and identifies primary and mixed disorders.
The Acid-Base Disorder Calculator provides systematic, step-by-step interpretation of arterial blood gas (ABG) results. It identifies the primary acid-base disorder (metabolic or respiratory acidosis/alkalosis), calculates the anion gap with albumin correction, applies Winter's formula for compensation assessment, and computes the delta-delta ratio to detect mixed disorders.
Acid-base interpretation is one of the most challenging skills in clinical medicine. The systematic approach requires evaluating pH to determine acidemia or alkalemia, identifying the primary disturbance from pCO₂ and HCO₃⁻, checking compensation adequacy, and calculating the anion gap for metabolic acidosis workup. This calculator automates all steps and presents findings in clinical decision-making order.
The tool supports complex mixed disorders by combining primary disorder identification with compensation analysis and the delta-delta ratio. It includes clinical presets for common presentations (DKA, COPD exacerbation, vomiting, hyperventilation) and reference tables for primary disorders and compensation formulas. Every finding is explained step-by-step, making it valuable for both clinical practice and medical education.
ABG interpretation involves multiple sequential calculations that are error-prone under time pressure. This calculator eliminates arithmetic mistakes, ensures no step is missed, and provides educational explanations at each stage — critical in ICU, emergency, and medical education settings. Keep these notes focused on your operational context. Tie the context to the calculator’s intended domain. Use this clarification to avoid ambiguous interpretation.
Anion Gap = Na⁺ − Cl⁻ − HCO₃⁻ Corrected AG = AG + 2.5 × (4 − albumin) Winter's Formula: Expected pCO₂ = 1.5 × HCO₃⁻ + 8 (±2) Delta-Delta Ratio = (AG − 12) / (24 − HCO₃⁻)
Result: Metabolic Acidosis, AG = 30 (elevated), delta-delta 1.38 (pure AG acidosis)
Low pH (7.20) with low HCO₃⁻ (10) = metabolic acidosis. Elevated AG (30) points to organic acids (DKA, lactic acidosis). Winter's expected pCO₂ = 23 ±2; measured 25 = appropriate respiratory compensation.
Step 1: Look at pH (acidemia <7.35, alkalemia >7.45). Step 2: Identify the primary process — does pCO₂ or HCO₃⁻ explain the pH? Step 3: Assess compensation using expected formulas. Step 4: Calculate anion gap if metabolic acidosis is present. Step 5: If AG is elevated, calculate delta-delta ratio for hidden second metabolic disorder.
The mnemonic MUDPILES helps recall causes of AG metabolic acidosis: Methanol, Uremia, Diabetic ketoacidosis, Propylene glycol, Isoniazid/Iron, Lactic acidosis, Ethylene glycol, Salicylates. Each has specific follow-up tests (osmolar gap for toxic alcohols, lactate, ketones, BUN/Cr).
When HCO₃⁻ is low but the AG is normal, look for: diarrhea (GI bicarbonate loss), renal tubular acidosis, early renal failure, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and saline infusion dilutional acidosis. The urine anion gap (Na⁺ + K⁺ − Cl⁻) helps distinguish renal from GI causes.
The anion gap (Na⁺ − Cl⁻ − HCO₃⁻) estimates unmeasured anions. Normal is 8-12 mEq/L. Elevation indicates accumulation of unmeasured acids (lactate, ketoacids, toxic alcohols, uremia).
Albumin is the major unmeasured anion. Hypoalbuminemia (common in hospitalized patients) lowers the baseline AG, masking an elevated gap. Add 2.5 for each g/dL albumin below 4.
If there is an AG metabolic acidosis, the delta-delta ratio reveals if there is a concurrent non-AG metabolic acidosis (<1) or metabolic alkalosis (>2). A ratio of 1-2 indicates a pure AG acidosis.
Winter's formula predicts the expected pCO₂ in metabolic acidosis. If measured pCO₂ exceeds the expected range, a concurrent respiratory acidosis is present. If below, respiratory alkalosis coexists.
Yes, mixed disorders are common. A patient with DKA and pneumonia might have AG metabolic acidosis plus respiratory acidosis. Systematic analysis with compensation rules and delta-delta catches these.
When compensation is inadequate or excessive (per expected compensation formulas), when the delta-delta ratio falls outside 1-2, or when clinical context suggests multiple processes (e.g., sepsis + renal failure + vomiting).