Anion gap in a blood test

Explanation

The anion gap is a number calculated from blood electrolyte results, usually sodium, chloride and bicarbonate. Electrolytes are dissolved substances with an electrical charge. The calculation helps investigate problems with the balance of acids and bases in the body.

Is it the same as blood pH?

No. Blood pH describes how acidic the blood is. The anion gap compares selected charged substances rather than directly measuring acidity. It helps clinicians investigate which substances may be contributing to a problem.

What can change the result?

A high gap can occur when acids build up, for example in some kidney disorders or diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes. The number alone does not identify the cause.

A low gap may reflect measurement variation or a low level of albumin, a blood protein. Low albumin can also hide a raised gap. Clinicians may check albumin and repeat unexpected results. Use the range printed by your laboratory, since methods differ.

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