Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department
Published on: January 29, 2011
[Misinterpretation of measured bicarbonates during the administration of high doses of propofol]
M Grare1, P Welfringer, J L Olivier
1Laboratoire de biochimie et biologie moléculaire, Hôpital central, CHU Nancy. p.franck@chu-nancy.fr
Abstract:
A patient, admitted to intensive care unit and sedated with propofol (Diprivan), had repeatedly presented severe decreased of measured bicarbonates without metabolic acidosis and with physiologic values of calculated bicarbonates. Consecutively to the administration of high doses of propofol, an important lactescence of samples had been observed and the tests realised showed that lactescence play a key role in the interference with the measurement of bicarbonates (as described in the literature). So, in the course of propofol administration, it would be advised to interpret with caution the results of measured bicarbonates to not conclude too quickly on a case of "propofol syndrome".
Related Concept Videos
Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2 and HCO3− values are examined to...
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics
Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer
Disorders of Acid-Base Balance
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this principle...