Venous Blood Gas Electrolyte Levels Accurate for Diagnosis of DKA

Findings suggest that VBG electrolyte results can be used in lieu of serum chemistry panel results to diagnose diabetic ketoacidosis.

Many new blood gas analyzers can measure electrolytes, which opens the possibility of more-rapid diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). To determine the accuracy of venous blood gas (VBG) electrolyte measurements for diagnosis of DKA, researchers prospectively compared VBG and serum chemistry electrolyte results in a convenience sample of 342 hyperglycemic patients at a single emergency department. Patients were included if blood samples for the two tests were drawn <30 minutes apart (samples were drawn simultaneously in 84% of patients).

DKA was defined according to American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria: serum glucose ≥250 mg/dL, serum anion gap >10 mEq/L, bicarbonate ≤18 mEq/L, serum pH ≤7.30, and presence of ketosis.

Overall, 46 …

Reviewing Author

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)

Diane M. Birnbaumer, MD, FACEP

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardSecurisyn

Editorial boardsThe Merck Manuals (Home and Physician Editions)

Venous Blood Gas Electrolyte Levels Accurate for Diagnosis of DKA

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Reviewing Author