Anion gap

Anion Gap

The Anion Gap (pronunciation: /ˈaɪ.ən ɡæp/) is a value calculated from the results of multiple individual medical lab tests. It may be reported on a blood test report, and is usually included in the electrolyte panel.

Etymology

The term "Anion Gap" is derived from the medical terminology. "Anion" refers to negatively charged ions in a solution, while "Gap" refers to the difference in concentration between the major cations and anions in the serum, plasma, or urine.

Definition

The Anion Gap is the difference in the measured cations (positively charged ions) and the measured anions (negatively charged ions) in serum, plasma, or urine. The major cations in the blood are sodium and potassium. The major anions are chloride and bicarbonate. The anion gap is thus calculated as follows:

Anion Gap = ([Sodium] + [Potassium]) - ([Chloride] + [Bicarbonate])

Clinical Significance

The Anion Gap is used to identify the cause of Metabolic Acidosis, a condition characterized by a decrease in the body's pH level due to an increase in acidic substances. An increased Anion Gap suggests the presence of an unmeasured anion, which can be caused by conditions such as Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Lactic Acidosis, and ingestion of certain toxins.

A decreased Anion Gap can be seen in conditions such as Hypervolemia, Hypercalcemia, and Hyperchloremia.

Related Terms

• Metabolic Acidosis
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis
• Lactic Acidosis
• Hypervolemia
• Hypercalcemia
• Hyperchloremia

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Anion gap
• Wikipedia's article - Anion gap

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