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Sodium Bicarbonate Conversion Formula:
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The conversion between milligrams (mg) and milliequivalents (mEq) of sodium bicarbonate is important in medical dosing and pharmaceutical preparations. It allows healthcare providers to accurately measure and administer sodium bicarbonate based on its chemical activity rather than just its weight.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: Since sodium bicarbonate has a valence of 1, the milliequivalent weight is equal to its molecular weight. This conversion accounts for the chemical activity of the substance.
Details: Many medical protocols and drug dosages are specified in mEq rather than mg, making this conversion essential for accurate medication administration, especially in critical care settings.
Tips: Enter the amount of sodium bicarbonate in milligrams (mg). The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent milliequivalents (mEq).
Q1: Why convert mg to mEq for sodium bicarbonate?
A: mEq accounts for the chemical activity of the substance, which is more relevant than weight alone for many medical applications.
Q2: What is the molecular weight of sodium bicarbonate?
A: The molecular weight of NaHCO₃ is approximately 84 g/mol (22.99 for Na + 1.01 for H + 12.01 for C + 3×16 for O₃).
Q3: Is this conversion specific to sodium bicarbonate?
A: Yes, this exact conversion factor (84) only applies to sodium bicarbonate. Other substances have different conversion factors.
Q4: When is this conversion most commonly used?
A: Commonly used in preparing IV solutions, dialysis solutions, and when administering sodium bicarbonate for metabolic acidosis.
Q5: How precise should the conversion be in clinical practice?
A: For most clinical purposes, rounding to 1-2 decimal places is sufficient, though more precision may be needed in research settings.