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Management  of acid base imbalances The normal PH of blood is usually 7.35 – 7.45. The body therefore has to maintain blood PH within this values in order for the body to function normally. A substance that dissociates to produce ions is acid. Acids are also proton donors while bases are proton acceptors. Acids are produced when the body metabolizes substances. For example during oxidation reactions that produce energy also yield carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide then combines with water to form carbonic acid. Low PH in the body is called acidosis and when there is high blood PH is called alkalosis. Acidosis can be metabolic acidosis or respiratory acidosis. Acidosis can be due to; -           Carbon dioxide retention -           Excessive loss of bicarbonate either through feces or urine -           Ingestion of acids or their precursors Alkalosis is high PH in the blood and can be either respiratory alkalosis or metabolic alkalosis. Alkalosis can be due to;        

  POINT OF CARE TESTING Abstract Diagnostic testing is very important in coming up with the right and accurate diagnosis in a clinical setup. Some clinical tests can also be carried out in a home setting or sites away from the hospital. These tests provide vital clinical information about the status of a patient before treatment is initiated. Decentralizing these tests make it easier for patients to access tests when they need them making point of care testing very important.   Concepts of point of care testing Point of care testing is proving diagnostic testing at a point near the patient. The patient does not therefore doesn’t has to move in order to get tested. Point of care testing is also called bedside, near-patient, remote or decentralized testing. Some of the tests carried out at point of care testing include, rapid malaria tests, HIV testing, blood sugar testing for diabetic patients and hemoglobin estimation. Point of care testing is also performed in am