At what pH level is sodium bicarbonate generally reserved for use?

Sodium bicarbonate is generally utilized in situations where the pH of the blood is significantly low, specifically in cases of severe acidosis. A pH level of 7.0 indicates a neutral point in the pH scale, but in the context of critical care, a more acidic pH, such as that seen in cases of metabolic or respiratory acidosis (typically around 6.8 or even lower), is where sodium bicarbonate becomes particularly indicated.

Administering sodium bicarbonate at a pH level lower than 7.0 aims to buffer excess hydrogen ions, thus raising the pH toward a normal range. While a pH of 7.2 or higher may be considered for treatment interventions, sodium bicarbonate is predominantly reserved for cases where the pH is critically low, such as 6.8 or less, when the body is unable to correct the acidosis effectively on its own.

In essence, sodium bicarbonate is a buffering agent that provides immediate relief in acute scenarios of acidotic states, which rationalizes its use at more acidic pH levels, particularly at or below 7.0.