Prab at 16:46, 22 March 2025

2025-03-22T16:46:07Z

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Prab at 19:00, 31 May 2023

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The '''Anion Gap''' (AG) is a valuable tool in medical diagnostics used to identify the cause of [[metabolic acidosis]]. It represents the difference between the measured cations (positively charged ions) and the measured anions (negatively charged ions) in the blood serum.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2293895/|title=The anion gap does have a role in the evaluation of metabolic acidosis|journal=American Journal of Kidney Diseases|year=1990|accessdate=2023-05-30}}</ref> The AG can assist clinicians in identifying various metabolic disorders, including diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, and renal failure.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25160734/|title=The role of anion gap in differentiating metabolic acidosis|journal=Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan|year=2014|accessdate=2023-05-30}}</ref>

== Calculation == 

The anion gap is typically calculated using the following formula:

* AG = [Sodium] - ([Chloride] + [Bicarbonate])

Normal anion gap values may vary depending on the laboratory, but they generally range between 8 and 16 mEq/L. An elevated anion gap often suggests the presence of an unmeasured anion.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23861425/|title=Understanding acid-base disorders|journal=American Family Physician|year=2013|accessdate=2023-05-30}}</ref>

== Clinical Relevance == 

In clinical practice, the anion gap is primarily used to identify the cause of metabolic acidosis. An increased anion gap indicates the presence of unmeasured anions, which often arise in conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, and ingestion of certain toxins. Conversely, a normal or low anion gap can be seen in conditions such as hyperchloremic acidosis or in the presence of multiple myeloma.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482141/|title=Anion Gap|publisher=StatPearls|accessdate=2023-05-30}}</ref>

== Limitations and Variations == 

The anion gap calculation assumes that the primary cations in the serum are sodium ions, while chloride and bicarbonate are the main anions. However, other ions can contribute to the gap, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Some clinicians may include potassium in the anion gap calculation, although this is less common.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3514310/|title=Should we use the anion gap in treating metabolic acidosis?|journal=British Medical Journal (Clinical research ed.)|year=1986|accessdate=2023-05-30}}</ref>

Changes in albumin levels can also significantly affect the anion gap. Since albumin is an anion, hypoalbuminemia can result in a decreased anion gap, while hyperalbuminemia can increase it. Hence, clinicians often correct the anion gap for albumin levels.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15385229/|title=Evaluation of the utility of the albumin-corrected anion gap|journal=Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine|year=2004|accessdate=2023-05-30}}</ref>

== See Also == 

* [[Acid-base disorders]]
* [[Metabolic acidosis]]
== References == 

<references />
[[Category:Biochemistry]]
[[Category:Clinical chemistry]]
[[Category:Medical terminology]]
{{stub}}
{{Renal physiology}}
{{Water-electrolyte imbalance and acid-base imbalance}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Anion Gap}}
[[Category:Acid–base disturbances]]
[[Category:Electrolyte disturbances]]
[[Category:Medical mnemonics]]

Anion gap - Revision history

Prab at 16:46, 22 March 2025

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Prab at 19:00, 31 May 2023