Metabolic acidosis/Definition

Refers to an abnormal chemical compositional state of the body that clinicians characterize as abnormally increased acidity — measured as pH reduction or hydrogen ion concentration [H⁺ increase — accompanied by abnormally reduced bicarbonate (HCO₃^-) concentration in the extracellular fluid (ECF) compartment of the body, acknowledging that in most cases similar compositional abnormalities exist in the intracellular compartment (ICF) as well.