EFFECTS OF SODIUM-BICARBONATE, DISODIUM CARBONATE, AND A SODIUM-BICARBONATE CARBONATE MIXTURE ON THE P-CO2 OF BLOOD IN A CLOSED-SYSTEM

The effects of adding Carbicarb-a 50:50 mixture of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3)-or sodium bicarbonate or disodi um carbonate individually to whole blood were examined in vitro. Addin g HCl to blood in an open system rapidly decreased the pH and [HCO3-] without increasing partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pco(2)), wherea s adding HCl to blood in a closed system markedly decreased pH and inc reased Pco(2). Adding sodium bicarbonate to blood caused a rapid and p redictable increase in Pco(2) that was linearly related to the pH of t he blood at the time of addition. Adding disodium carbonate to blood c aused a rapid and predictable fall in Pco(2) that was linearly related to the initial Pco, of the blood at the time of addition. Adding Carb icarb to blood caused relatively little change in Pco(2) over a wide r ange of initial pH and Pco(2) values.