What does low anion gap mean in a blood test?
What does low anion gap mean in a blood test?
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.
What does the anion gap test tell you?
The anion gap test tells you how much acid is in your blood. Acid levels that are higher or lower than normal can tip your doctor off to a health problem and help them find the right treatment for you. Too much acid in your blood can be a sign of short-term problems like dehydration and diarrhea, or long-term conditions like diabetes.
Do you need to fast for an anion gap blood test?
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.
What happens if your doctor says you have a low anion gap?
If your doctor says you have a low anion gap, you might have a lower than normal amount of acid in your blood. This result isn’t common, and sometimes it’s due to a lab error. Your doctor may ask the lab to do the test again to double-check the numbers.
Can a high anion gap cause acidosis?
If your doctor says you have a high anion gap, you may have a higher than normal amount of acid in your blood. The doctor may call this “acidosis.” Acidosis can also be brought on by too much exercise. If your doctor says you have a low anion gap, you might have a lower than normal amount of acid in your blood.
Where does the anion gap blood test come from?
The anion gap test is taken from the results of an electrolyte panel, which is a blood test.
Can a low anion gap show a false report?
The low anion gap result can show false reports. Last, but not the least, a doctor might recommend for another AGAP blood scanning if the lab report suggests low anion gap value. Often there are laboratory report errors that indicate low levels of anion gap value.
What should the ratio of bun to creatinine be?
The blood urea nitrogen test, which is also called a BUN or serum BUN test, measures how much of the waste product you have in your blood. If your levels are off the normal range, this could mean that either your kidneys or your liver may not be working properly. The ideal ratio of BUN to creatinine falls between 10-to-1 and 20-to-1.
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.