What is Delta Ratio Calculator?
A Delta Ratio Calculator calculates the delta ratio between a patient’s anion gap and bicarbonate gap. The Delta Ratio is valuable in evaluating mixed acid-base disorders.
In the blood, the anion gap refers to the difference between positively charged ions (such as sodium and potassium) and negatively charged ions (such as chloride and bicarbonate). Alternatively, the bicarbonate gap refers to how much bicarbonate is measured versus how much bicarbonate is calculated.
The formula for calculating the Delta Ratio is:
DLR = AG / BG
Where:
- DLR represents the Delta Ratio
- AG represents the change in anion gap
- BG represents the change in bicarbonate gap
For example, if the change in anion gap is 5 and the change in bicarbonate gap is 2, the Delta Ratio would be calculated as: DLR = 5 / 2 = 2.5.
How to Calculate Delta Ratio: Step-by-Step
To calculate the Delta Ratio using the Delta Ratio Calculator, follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine the values for the anion gap change and bicarbonate gap change.
Step 2: Go to the Delta Ratio Calculator above.
Step 3: In the input field labeled “Change in Anion Gap”, enter the value for the change in anion gap. The units for this input value are usually milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).
Step 4: If you enter the change in bicarbonate gap value in the input field labeled “Change in Bicarbonate Gap”, you will use milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) as your unit of measurement.
Step 5: Click the “Calculate” button. The Delta Ratio will be calculated and displayed in the output field labeled “Delta Ratio”.
Step 6: A healthcare professional should be consulted for guidance in interpreting the Delta Ratio results and implementing any necessary treatments.
These steps will guide you through the process of calculating the Delta Ratio and evaluating whether a patient may have mixed acid-base disorders.
