Terminology
- Acidosis refers to a low pH in tissue.
- Acidemia refers to a low pH in the blood.
In most cases, acidosis occurs first for reasons explained below. Free hydrogen ions then diffuse into the blood, lowering the pH. Arterial blood gas analysis detects acidemia (pH lower than 7.35). When acidemia is present, acidosis is presumed.
Read more about this topic: Metabolic Acidosis