Anion gap

Aliases: pH blood balance, Serum anion gap

Group: pH

Description:

The anion gap blood test measures the acid-base (pH) balance of the blood. The anion gap indicates whether the blood is too acidic or not acidic enough. The test uses the results of another blood test called the electrolyte panel. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals, such as sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate. They help control the acid-base balance of the blood. Some electrolytes have a positive electrical charge. Others have a negative electrical charge. The anion gap measures the difference, or gap, between negatively charged and positively charged electrolytes in the blood. **Low** If the anion gap is too low, the blood is not acidic enough. **High** If the anion gap is too high, the blood is more acidic than normal. Both high and low results can be signs of a serious disorder that needs attention.