The Henderson-Hasselbach Equation

The Henderson-Hasselbach Equation allows one to calculate blood pH from the concentration of blood bicarbonate and PCO2 .

The equation is:

pH  =  6.1 + log [HCO3-]/(0.03 * PCO2)

Where:

• log refers to the BASE 10 logarithm (NOT the natural ln)
• HCO3- refers to the concentration of bicarbonate in the blood
• PCO2 refers to the partial pressure of CO2.

For more information on this topic, please refer to West , page 80.

Also, check out the following links that may be helpful:

• Biochemistry I - Buffers and Ionization of Amino Acids
• Acid-Base Terminology
• Acid Base Disorders in Critical Care MEDSTUDENTS-INTENSIVE CARE
• Please do not confuse Henderson-Hasselbach with David Hasselhoff!
• Speaking of which, Is David Hasselhoff the Antichrist?
• And, as always, if you have questions, or if you can suggest a helpful link, please e-mail me.