Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is an anion gap?
- When do I have to go through the anion gap?
- Precautions & warnings
- What should I know before going through the anion gap?
- Process
- What should I do before going through the anion gap?
- How is the anion gap process?
- What should I do after going through the anion gap?
- Explanation of the Test Results
- What do my test results mean?
Definition
What is an anion gap?
The anion gap (AG) is the disparity between extracellular cations and anions. In general, an anion gap can be performed in the laboratory. (Eg, AG = -)
The above calculations are used to help doctors identify the causes of metabolic acidosis such as lactic acid accumulation (a shock complication caused by lack of blood or shortness of breath) or the accumulation of cetone in the blood (complications of diabetes). This test can also show the amount of essential bicarbonate that can neutralize and maintain the pH in the blood.
When do I have to go through the anion gap?
Anion gap calculation can determine patients with alkaline or acid abnormalities in the blood. Blood is used to detect part of the cause of the disorder and monitor the progress of treatment. Doctors usually perform an Anion gap test to identify the following diseases:
DKA caused by diabetes
salicylic acid poisoning
accumulation of lactic acid caused by lack of blood or shortness of breath
kidney failure
lack of water and ions in the digestive tract through sweat
lack of water and ions in the kidneys
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before going through the anion gap?
The following factors can affect the test results:
hyperlipidemia can reduce the amount of sodium in the anion gap, compared to the actual amount
Anion gap levels may differ in some laboratories, due to the use of different calculation methods. Typically, laboratories list normal levels on test results
some drugs can increase the gap, such as: carbon anhydrase inhibitors, ethanol, methanol, salicylates
some drugs can reduce the gap, such as: acetazolamide, lithium, spironolactone, and sulindac
It is important that you understand the warnings above before running this test. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for information and
further instructions.
Process
What should I do before going through the anion gap?
Your doctor will explain the test process to you. This test is a blood test. You don't need to prepare anything before taking the test. Fasting is also not required before the test. On the day of the examination, it is recommended that you wear clothes with short sleeves to help with the blood draw process.
How is the anion gap process?
The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:
wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
clean the area to be injected with alcohol
inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
attaching gauze or cotton to the injection site, after the injection is complete
apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on
What should I do after going through the anion gap?
Your doctor or nurse will take a sample of your blood. While you generally won't feel any pain, some people can feel pain when a new needle is injected. However, when the needle is in the blood vessel, the pain is usually not felt. The pain depends on the skills of the nurse, the condition of the blood vessels and your sensitivity to pain. After the blood draw, it is recommended that you wrap it with a bandage and apply light pressure to your blood vessel to stop the bleeding. You can do your normal activities after the test.
If you have any questions about this test process, please consult with your doctor to understand more.
Explanation of the Test Results
What do my test results mean?
16 ± 4 mEq / L (If Potassium is used)
12 ± 4 mEq / L (When Potassium is not used).
lactic acidosis
DKA is caused by diabetes
DKA is caused by alcohol
lack of nutrition
kidney failure
renal tubular acidosis
increased bicarbonate deficiency in the digestive tract
reduced aldosterone syndrome
excessive alkalization of the digestive tract
some myeloma bone diseases
ongoing vomiting
gastric lavage
reduced blood protein
lithium poisoning
bromine poisoning (from grenadine)
Anion gap test results may vary depending on the laboratory.
Consult your doctor if you have questions about test results.
