Low anion gap

what is the cause of a low anion gap. i had blood work done 5 months ago and recently received the results. i have read information and it sounds like something i should be concerned about. could this be a lab error? what course of action should i take if any. my level was 7.0, and the lab print out stated that the norm is 9.0-16.0mmol/L.
thanks
tracy

A normal Anion Gap is between 5.0 - 16.0. your level of 7.0 is normal and you should not be concerned.

Hello there,

As far as I know low anion gap is usually caused by hypoalbuminemia. Albumin is a negatively charged protein. The loss of albumin from the serum usually results in the retention of other negatively charged ions such as chloride and bicarbonate. As bicarbonate and chloride anions are used to calculate the anion gap, there is a subsequent decrease in the gap and this is answering your question.

In hypoalbuminaemia the anion gap is reduced and its values during this condition is 2.5 to 3 mmol/L per 1 g/dL decrease in serum albumin. Conditions which are responsible for reducing serum albumin in the clinical setting are hemorrhage, nephrotic syndrome, intestinal obstruction and liver cirrhosis.

I hope this was helpful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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