Above the range
Common causes of a high Base Excess
- Metabolic alkalosis
Looking for the other direction? See what causes a low Base Excess.
All tests · Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) · Base Excess
Above the range
What causes a high Base Excess?
Normal range -2-2 mEq/L (-2-2 mmol/L SI). Specimen: Arterial blood (calculated). See the full Base Excess reference page for critical values and nursing considerations.
What is the normal range for Base Excess?
The standard teaching reference range for Base Excess is -2-2 mEq/L in conventional units, or -2-2 mmol/L in SI units. This value is measured in arterial blood (calculated).
| Specimen | Arterial blood (calculated) |
|---|---|
| Conventional range | -2-2 mEq/L |
| SI range | -2-2 mmol/L |
| Panel | Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) |
Full details, including nursing considerations, on the Base Excess normal range page. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population - always use the range printed on the actual result.
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