Base excess
Base Excess (pronounced: /beɪs ɪkˈsɛs/)
The Base Excess (BE) is a term used in medicine to describe the amount of excess or insufficient bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the blood. The value is compared to the normal bicarbonate level in the blood, which is typically 22 to 28 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A positive base excess indicates a higher than normal level of bicarbonate (indicating metabolic alkalosis), while a negative base excess indicates a lower than normal level (indicating metabolic acidosis).
Etymology
The term "Base Excess" is derived from the Latin words 'basis' meaning 'foundation' and 'excessus' meaning 'going out'. It was first used in medical literature in the 1960s to describe abnormalities in the acid-base balance in the blood.
Related Terms
- Acid-Base Balance: The balance between the amount of acids and bases in your body.
- Metabolic Acidosis: A condition that occurs when the body produces too much acid or when the kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body.
- Metabolic Alkalosis: A condition that occurs when your body has too many bases. It can occur from a loss of acid from your body or a gain in base.
- Bicarbonate: A form of carbon dioxide (CO2), a gas waste left when your body burns food for energy. Bicarbonate belongs to a group of electrolytes, which help keep your body hydrated and make your heart and muscles work properly.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Base excess
- Wikipedia's article - Base excess
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