learn.howToCalculate
learn.whatIsHeading
The anion gap detects unmeasured anions in plasma. AG > 12 mEq/L indicates high-anion-gap metabolic acidosis (DKA, lactic acidosis, toxins — MUDPILES mnemonic).
Formula
Anion gap = (Na) − (Cl + HCO3); Normal range 8–16 mEq/L; High AG suggests metabolic acidosis; Low AG rare, suggests lab error or hyperalbuminemia
- Na
- Serum sodium (mEq/L (135–145 normal))
- Cl
- Serum chloride (mEq/L (96–106 normal))
- HCO3
- Serum bicarbonate (mEq/L (22–26 normal))
Guida passo passo
- 1AG = Na⁺ − (Cl⁻ + HCO₃⁻)
- 2Normal: 8–12 mEq/L
- 3Albumin correction: +2.5 mEq/L per 1g/dL drop in albumin below 4
- 4Investigate any AG > 12 mEq/L
Esempi risolti
Ingresso
Na 140, Cl 102, HCO₃ 14
Risultato
AG = 24 mEq/L — elevated, investigate
Domande frequenti
Why is anion gap important?
Classifies causes of metabolic acidosis (high AG vs normal AG). High AG = organic acids (lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis). Normal AG = chloride-responsive (diarrhea, renal tubular acidosis).
What causes high anion gap acidosis?
Lactic acidosis (sepsis, hypoxia), ketoacidosis (diabetes, alcohol), renal failure, ingestions (salicylates, methanol, ethylene glycol). Mnemonic: MUDPILES.
What's the clinical significance?
High AG acidosis suggests serious underlying condition requiring urgent treatment. Normal AG suggests slower process (e.g., diarrhea). Treatment differs by cause.
Pronto per calcolare? Prova la calcolatrice gratuita di Anion Gap
Provalo tu stesso →