Osmol gap

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Osmol Gap

Osmol gap (pronounced: /ˈɒzmɒl ɡæp/), also known as osmolar gap or osmolality gap, is a measure of the difference between the calculated and measured osmolality of a patient's serum. It is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of certain medical conditions, particularly those involving the ingestion of toxic substances.

Etymology

The term "osmol gap" is derived from the words "osmolality", which refers to the concentration of solutes in a solution, and "gap", which in this context refers to a discrepancy or difference.

Definition

The osmol gap is calculated using the formula:

Osmol gap = Measured osmolality - Calculated osmolality

The normal range for the osmol gap is typically between -10 and +10 mOsm/kg, although this can vary slightly depending on the laboratory.

Clinical Significance

An elevated osmol gap can indicate the presence of unmeasured osmoles in the serum, such as ethanol, methanol, ethylene glycol, or propylene glycol. This can be useful in the diagnosis of toxic alcohol ingestion.

Related Terms

  • Osmolality: The concentration of solutes in a solution, typically measured in osmoles per kilogram.
  • Serum: The clear, yellowish fluid that remains from blood plasma after clotting factors have been removed.
  • Ethanol: A type of alcohol that is commonly consumed in beverages.
  • Methanol: A toxic type of alcohol that can cause serious health problems if ingested.
  • Ethylene glycol: A toxic substance often found in antifreeze and other industrial products.
  • Propylene glycol: A less toxic substance than ethylene glycol, but can still cause health problems if ingested in large amounts.

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