What does it mean if your anion gap is low?

A low anion gap test result may mean you have alkalosis (blood that is less acidic than normal). But this result is so rare that your provider will usually have you tested again to make sure the results are accurate. The most common cause of a low anion gap is a low level of albumin, a protein in the blood.

Should I be worried if my anion gap is low?

Keep in mind that even if your anion gap is high or low, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have a serious health problem. An anion gap number between 3 and 10 is considered normal. But the “normal” range can vary from person to person, and it may also depend on the methods your lab used to do the test.

Is low anion gap common?

Having a low anion gap blood test result is rare. Because of this, your provider will likely redo the test to make sure the results are accurate or they may do further testing. If your blood results reveal a low anion gap, it may mean you have a lower-than-normal level of albumin (hypoalbuminemia).

How do you fix anion gap?

The most common alkalizing agent is sodium bicarbonate, but sodium and potassium citrate are alternative options. In the event of severe, recalcitrant acidosis, it may be appropriate to treat empirically with alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors (fomepizole or ethanol) and prepare the patient for emergent hemodialysis.

How do you treat low anion gap?

Lithium is positively charged and is sometimes prescribed for treatment of bipolar disorder. In high concentrations, it can lower the anion gap. Increase in other positively charged ions. A large increase in other positively charged ions, such as calcium and magnesium, can also lower the anion gap.

What happens if you have a low anion gap?

– nausea or vomiting. – fatigue. – a headache. – drowsiness. – shortness of breath. – rapid heart rate. – low blood pressure.

What does it mean if you have a low anion gap?

Having an anion gap reading in the low range is very rare, and it may stem from a laboratory error. If an electrolyte blood test shows a low anion gap, a doctor usually orders a second test. A condition called hypoalbuminemia can cause a low anion gap reading, but this is less common than a laboratory error.

What can cause a low anion gap?

The most common cause of a low anion gap level is a lack of albumin protein in the blood, or hypoalbuminemia, when immunoglobulin levels are increased. Albumin is both a protein and an anion. Lab Testing Errors In general, low anion gap levels are rare. Other times, it can be due to an error during the testing process.

What does a low anion gap mean and how do you fix it?

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.