Question 1

can you define what the anion gap is?

Accepted Answer

Anion gap: Hi. The most common way to measure anion gap (AG) is to subtract the serum chloride concentration and the serum CO2 concentration from the serum sodium concentration. AG = Na - (Cl + total CO2). The AG is due to unmeasured anions in blood.  Depending on lab, normal AG is up to about 12 or 14. In acidotic states such as diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, sepsis, etc), AG is increased.

Question 2

is an anion gap of 6 something to worry about?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Why was the test done? What symptoms do you have? 
All laboratory results need to be interpreted in the clinical context and the doctor who ordered the tests is usually in the best position to do that. Talk to the doctor who ordered the tests.

Question 3

is an anion gap of 14 anything to worry about?

Accepted Answer

NotIfYouFeelWell: It's a little high but the usual causes for a delta gap of 1-2 (which is where your number falls) range is usually a lactic acidosis and in some circumstances diabetic acidosis.  Do you exercise? Do you drink plenty of water?  To really give an accurate interpretation, more information is needed about your medical history, medications you take, and symptoms.

Question 4

what does it mean when your anion gap is high?

Accepted Answer

Acidosis: It means there is too much acid in your blood at the expense of more negatively charged substances (anions) being consumed (bicarbonate (sodium bicarbonate) (sodium bicarbonate (sodium bicarbonate)) and chloride) than positively charged substances (unmeasured cations h+), which consume the bicarbonate (sodium bicarbonate).

Question 5

my anion gap came back at 5 should i be worrid?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Interpreting the anion gap really depends on clinical context.  An anion gap of 5 could be normal in some people, but could also signify something like low albumin.

Question 6

should a person worry if anion gap is low at 3.9?

Accepted Answer

No: This means nothing. Reference ranges are arbitrarily set so that 5% or so of healthy folks fall outside.

Question 7

what is a high anion gap reading. when should i be concerned.?

Accepted Answer

16+: Each lab has its own range of normals.  Ag was a concept designed to help doctors figure out the source of acidosis, just a tool not a measure of how sick you are..  If you are significantly acidotic the ag is useful.  If you are not acidotic it is just a number spit out by the lab.  A low ag may be seen with multiple myeloma.

Question 8

why do i always get a low anion gap test score? what is the cause of low anion gap?

Accepted Answer

: Low anion gap is only significant when it is less than 3. In general, low anion gap is not as common and significant as high anion gap. If your AG is less than 3, we need other blood chemistry results in order to give a correct answer. Take care.

Question 9

hello. i was told i have an anion gap of 18 which is above normal. is this a big concern?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Very difficult to answer without specifics regarding the situation. Hopefully something of no concern though. A pneumonic for anion gap acidosis is MUDPILES. See if anything fits. One commonly overlooked reason for excess acids is starvation ketosis. Check in with your doctor.

Question 10

what causes a lower than normal anion gap? mine has fluctuated from normal to one point below normal.

Accepted Answer

Not material: One point below normal is not clinically meaningful. If you do not have any symptoms, do not worry about a lab value.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex, if you have sex.

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Doctor answers about:

Anion gap serpl

A member asked:

Can you define what the anion gap is?

A member asked:

Is an anion gap of 6 something to worry about?

A member asked:

Is an anion gap of 14 anything to worry about?

A member asked:

What does it mean when your anion gap is high?

A member asked:

My anion gap came back at 5 should i be worrid?

A member asked:

Should a person worry if anion gap is low at 3.9?

A member asked:

What is a high anion gap reading. when should i be concerned.?

A member asked:

Why do i always get a low anion gap test score? what is the cause of low anion gap?

A member asked:

Hello. i was told i have an anion gap of 18 which is above normal. is this a big concern?

A member asked:

What causes a lower than normal anion gap? mine has fluctuated from normal to one point below normal.

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