What is the test anion gap?
The anion gap test tells you how much acid is in your blood. Acid levels that are higher or lower than normal can tip your doctor off to a health problem and help them find the right treatment for you.
What is anion gap in biochemistry?
Using the results of the comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), the anion gap is the difference between measured cations (positively charged ions like Na+ and K+) and measured anions (negatively charged ions like Cl- and HCO3-).
What is a normal anion gap?
Normal results are 3 to 10 mEq/L, although the normal level may vary from lab to lab. If your results are higher, it may mean that you have metabolic acidosis.
What can cause anion gap to be low?
The most common causes of low anion gap results may include the following.
- Laboratory error. If your test indicates a low anion gap value, your doctor may order a second test to account for laboratory error.
- Hypoalbuminemia.
- Monoclonal and polyclonal gammopathy.
- Other factors.
What is the definition of anion in chemistry?
anion, atom or group of atoms carrying a negative electric charge.
Why is it called anion gap?
The anion gap is representative of how many ions are not accounted for by the lab measurements used in the calculation. These “unmeasured” ions are mostly anions, which is why the value is called the “anion gap.”
When should I be concerned about anion gap?
If your results show a high anion gap, you may have acidosis, which means higher than normal levels of acid in the blood. Acidosis may be a sign of dehydration, diarrhea, or too much exercise. It may also indicate a more serious condition such as kidney disease or diabetes.
Should I be worried if my anion gap is low?
If your results show a low anion gap, it may mean you have a low level of albumin, a protein in the blood. Low albumin may indicate kidney problems, heart disease, or some types of cancer. Since low anion gap results are uncommon, retesting is often done to ensure the results are accurate.
Is an anion gap of 4 Bad?
The normal (physiologic) range of the anion gap was defined as 6-14 mEq/L, and an anion gap >14.1 mEq/L was considered high.
What do anion means?
What is an anion? An anion has more electrons than protons, consequently giving it a net negative charge. For an anion to form, one or more electrons must be gained, typically pulled away from other atoms with a weaker affinity for them.
What are the reasons for high anion gap?
The most common causes of high anion gap metabolic acidosis are: ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, renal failure, and toxic ingestions.
What does a high anion gap signify?
A high anion gap indicates that, usually due to disease or intoxication, there are elevated concentrations of anions like lactate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate , PO 3− 4, and SO 2− 4 in the blood. These anions are not part of the anion-gap calculation and there is a secondary loss of HCO − 3 (a buffer)…
What causes elevated anion gap?
Elevated Anion Gap. An increase in an anion gap is most often due to some for of a metabolic acidosis, such as, ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, acute/chronic kidney disease, toxic alcohol ingestion, and long term acetaminophen use.
How to decrease anion gap?
Lithium is positively charged and is sometimes prescribed for treatment of bipolar disorder. In high concentrations, it can lower the anion gap . Increase in other positively charged ions. A large increase in other positively charged ions, such as calcium and magnesium, can also lower the anion gap .