The Cardiovascular
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Anion gap (with albumin correction)

Serum anion gap, corrected for albumin.

Anion gap (with albumin correction)
Sodium
mmol/L
Chloride
mmol/L
Bicarbonate
mmol/L
Albumin (optional)
Complete the fields above to see the result.

When to use

  • Evaluating metabolic acidosis and classifying it as high or normal anion gap.

Formula

Anion gap = Na⁺ − (Cl⁻ + HCO₃⁻). Corrected = anion gap + 2.5 × (4.0 − albumin [g/dL]).

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Hypoalbuminaemia lowers the measured gap by roughly 2.5 mmol/L per 1 g/dL fall in albumin, and can mask a significant acidosis.

References

  1. Figge J, et al. Anion gap and hypoalbuminemia. Crit Care Med. 1998;26(11):1807–10.