Sodium bicarbonate has been the alkali of choice for combating acidosis, especially for parenteral injection. The difficulty of sterilizing it is one of the main objections to its use. Palmer1 stated that sodium bicarbonate, after being boiled for ten minutes or autoclaved at 20 pounds (9 Kg.) pressure for fifteen minutes, is still suitable for administration intravenously. By such procedures, carbon dioxide is lost and sodium carbonate formed. The solution is rendered alkaline.
Marriott and Hartmann,2 in a recent article, recommended a solution of sodium bicarbonate for intraperitoneal use. They did not state the concentration used. They prepared soda by first boiling a solution and then reintroducing carbon dioxide in the presence of phenol red until the reaction was ph 7.4. This had to be done with sterile precautions.
I have found that the acidity of a solution of sodium bicarbonate may be first adjusted with carbon