Anion gap Flashcards
1
Q
What is the anion gap?
A
Calculated to look for unmeasured anions in the presence of metabolic acidosis
2
Q
What is the normal range for anion gap?
A
4-12 ( most abundant unmeasured anion is albumin)
3
Q
What causes a normal anion gap acidosis?
A
Loss of bicarb
Chloride raised
Acetazolamide/addisons
GI loss
Extras - renal tubular acidosis
4
Q
What causes a high anion gap acidosis?
A
Gaining acids (often unmeasured on a blood gas)
Methanol/Metformin
Urea
DKA
Paracetamol
Iron
Lactate
Ethylene glycol
Salicylate
If albumin is low, anion gap will be reduced
