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Anion Gap Blood LabTest

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Anion Gap Blood LabTest
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Anion Gap Blood LabTest

An anion gap blood test is a way to check the levels of acid in your blood. The test is based on the results of another blood test called an electrolyte panel. Electrolytes are electrically charged mineralsthat help control the balance of chemicals in your body called acids and bases. Some of these minerals have a positive electric charge. Others have a negative electric charge. The anion gap is a measurement of the difference-or gap-between the negatively charged and positively charged electrolytes. If the anion gap is either too high or too low, it may be a sign of a disorder in your lungs, kidneys, or other organ systems.

Other names: Serum anion gap

The anion gap blood test is used to show whether your blood has an imbalance of electrolytes or too much or not enough acid. Too much acid in the blood is called acidosis. If your blood does not have enough acid, you may have a condition called alkalosis.

Your health care provider may have ordered an anion gap blood test if you have signs of an imbalance in your blood acid levels. These signs may include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Vomiting
  • Abnormal heartbeat
  • Confusion
The anion gap test is taken from the results of an electrolyte panel, which is a blood test. During a blood test, a health care professional uses a small needle to take a blood sample from a vein in your arm. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
You don't need any special preparations for an anion gap blood test. If your health care provider has also ordered other blood tests, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. Your health care provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.
There is very little risk to having this test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

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.

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. Talk to your health care provider to learn what your results mean.

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Anion Gap Blood LabTest

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