Question 1

What is Metabolic Acidosis?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis is a serious condition where the body produces too much acid or the kidneys cannot remove enough acid, leading to dangerously low blood pH levels. It is caused by kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes (diabetic ketoacidosis), lactic acid buildup, or poisoning from substances like aspirin or ethylene glycol (antifreeze). The Anion Gap Panel is the most important test for diagnosis because it calculates the difference between electrolytes to identify the underlying cause of the acid imbalance.

Question 2

What causes metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis is caused by kidney disease that prevents acid removal, uncontrolled diabetes leading to diabetic ketoacidosis, severe infections or shock causing lactic acid buildup, or poisoning from substances like aspirin, methanol, or ethylene glycol (antifreeze). Your kidneys normally remove excess acid from your blood, but when they fail or your body produces too much acid too quickly, the blood becomes dangerously acidic. This disrupts normal cell function and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.

Question 3

What is the best test for metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

The Anion Gap Panel is the most important test for metabolic acidosis because it calculates the difference between positively charged electrolytes (sodium, potassium) and negatively charged electrolytes (chloride, bicarbonate) to determine what type of acidosis you have. This calculation helps doctors identify whether the acidosis is caused by kidney disease, diabetes, lactic acid buildup, or poisoning. The Carbon Dioxide blood test is also essential as it measures how low your CO2 levels have dropped, which indicates how severe the acidosis is and how hard your body is working to compensate. For suspected poisoning cases, the Ethylene Glycol Urine test detects antifreeze ingestion, a specific and dangerous cause of metabolic acidosis.

Question 4

When should I get tested for metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience rapid, deep breathing (your body trying to blow off excess acid), extreme fatigue or confusion, persistent nausea and vomiting, or if you have diabetes and notice fruity-smelling breath. People with chronic kidney disease, severe diarrhea lasting more than a day, or suspected poisoning exposure should seek testing immediately. Testing is also critical if you feel unusually weak or your heart is racing without explanation, as these can be signs your blood has become too acidic.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of metabolic acidosis include rapid, deep breathing (called Kussmaul breathing) as your body tries to eliminate excess acid, confusion or difficulty concentrating, extreme fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting, and a rapid heartbeat. You might also notice fruity-smelling breath if diabetes is the cause, or experience headaches and decreased appetite. Severe cases can lead to shock, loss of consciousness, or cardiac arrest if left untreated.

Question 6

Who is at risk for metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

People with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure are at highest risk because their kidneys cannot remove acid effectively. Those with type 1 diabetes or poorly controlled type 2 diabetes risk developing diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening form of metabolic acidosis. Other high-risk groups include people with severe infections (sepsis), chronic diarrhea, alcohol use disorder, or those taking certain medications like metformin. Accidental or intentional poisoning with aspirin, methanol, or ethylene glycol (antifreeze) also puts individuals at immediate risk.

Question 7

What happens if metabolic acidosis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated metabolic acidosis can lead to severe complications including kidney stones and chronic kidney disease progression, weakened bones (osteoporosis) as the body uses calcium to buffer excess acid, and stunted growth in children. The acidic blood environment can cause irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), dangerously low blood pressure, and eventually shock. Severe cases can result in coma, organ failure, or death. Chronic acidosis also increases muscle breakdown and protein loss, leading to significant weakness and wasting over time.

Question 8

Can metabolic acidosis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, metabolic acidosis is primarily diagnosed through blood tests that measure your blood pH, carbon dioxide levels, bicarbonate levels, and electrolyte balance. The Anion Gap Panel is the gold standard test because it calculates whether you have an elevated anion gap, which points to specific causes like diabetes, kidney failure, or poisoning. A basic metabolic panel showing low bicarbonate (below 22 mEq/L) and low blood CO2 levels confirms the diagnosis. Unlike many conditions requiring physical exams, blood chemistry analysis provides the definitive diagnosis for metabolic acidosis.

Question 9

How is metabolic acidosis treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for metabolic acidosis focuses on addressing the underlying cause while supporting your body's pH balance. If kidney disease is the cause, dialysis may be needed to remove excess acid. Diabetic ketoacidosis requires insulin therapy and intravenous fluids to stop acid production. For poisoning cases, specific antidotes (like fomepizole for antifreeze) and supportive care are critical. In severe cases, doctors may give sodium bicarbonate intravenously to quickly neutralize excess acid, though this is typically reserved for life-threatening situations. Long-term management may include dietary changes, medications to support kidney function, or treating the underlying condition like diabetes.

Question 10

How can I prevent metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent metabolic acidosis by managing chronic conditions like diabetes with proper blood sugar control and regular monitoring, and protecting kidney health by staying hydrated, limiting NSAID pain relievers, and controlling blood pressure. If you have kidney disease, work closely with your doctor to slow progression and follow dietary recommendations, particularly regarding protein intake. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, which can cause lactic acidosis, and store toxic substances like antifreeze safely away from children and pets. People with diabetes should monitor for ketone buildup, especially during illness or stress.

Question 11

What can I do at home for metabolic acidosis?

Accepted Answer

While metabolic acidosis requires medical treatment, you can support recovery at home by staying well-hydrated with water to help your kidneys flush out excess acid, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables that have an alkalizing effect, and avoiding excessive protein if you have kidney disease. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely and take medications as prescribed to prevent ketoacidosis. Rest adequately to reduce stress on your body, and avoid alcohol which can worsen lactic acidosis. However, never attempt to self-treat with baking soda or other home remedies without medical supervision, as this can be dangerous.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Metabolic Acidosis Blood Test

What is Metabolic Acidosis?

What causes metabolic acidosis?

What is the best test for metabolic acidosis?

When should I get tested for metabolic acidosis?

References

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