Abstract
We report a case of a patient who had critically low serum bicarbonate (HCO3 -) levels ranging from 8 to 11mmol/L on repeated venous measurements using an enzymatic/photometric assay. This prompted hospitalization and treatment with intravenous sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) followed by oral NaHCO3. He was evaluated for potential causes of high anion gap metabolic acidosis without any etiology found. He continued to have low serum HCO3 - levels despite maintenance oral NaHCO3 therapy and was referred for a second opinion where further laboratory work was pursued. An arterial blood gas was obtained, which revealed normal whole blood pH and HCO3 - levels. A different enzymatic/photometric assay revealed a normal serum HCO3 - level at 21mmol/L. Additional workup revealed paraproteinemia, which was thought to interfere with the enzymatic process by which his serum HCO3 - was measured, resulting in erroneous values.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
