ANION GAPS Meaning and
Definition
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Anion gaps refer to a calculation used in medical diagnostics to measure the difference between the concentrations of cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negatively charged ions) in the blood. It provides valuable information about the acid-base balance within the body.
The anion gap is determined by subtracting the sum of chloride (Cl-) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) concentrations from the concentration of sodium (Na+) in the blood. The resulting value represents unmeasured anions, such as sulfate, phosphate, and organic acids. The anion gap is usually expressed in milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).
Clinicians use the anion gap as a tool to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of various conditions, especially metabolic acidosis. Typically, a normal anion gap ranges between 8 to 16 mEq/L. An elevated anion gap suggests the presence of an underlying condition that leads to an accumulation of unmeasured anions, such as lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis, or renal failure.
Measuring the anion gap can help determine the cause of metabolic acidosis, guide appropriate treatment, and monitor the effectiveness of interventions. It is an important parameter in assessing acid-base disorders and can aid in identifying potentially life-threatening conditions. However, it is essential to interpret the anion gap alongside other clinical findings and laboratory tests to make an accurate diagnosis and guide appropriate management.
Common Misspellings for ANION GAPS
- znion gaps
- snion gaps
- wnion gaps
- qnion gaps
- abion gaps
- amion gaps
- ajion gaps
- ahion gaps
- anuon gaps
- anjon gaps
- ankon gaps
- anoon gaps
- an9on gaps
- an8on gaps
- aniin gaps
- anikn gaps
- aniln gaps
- anipn gaps
- ani0n gaps
- ani9n gaps
Etymology of ANION GAPS
The word "anion gap" comes from the combination of two terms: "anion" and "gap".
- Anion: In chemistry, an ion is an atom or a molecule that has gained or lost electrons, resulting in a positive or negative charge. Anions specifically refer to negatively charged ions. The term "anion" is derived from the Greek word "ana", meaning "up" or "back", indicating that these ions move toward the anode (positively charged electrode) during electrolysis.
- Gap: In the context of medicine and laboratory testing, a gap refers to a difference or deviation from the norm. It indicates a measurable space or distinction between two values. The word "gap" originates from the Old Norse word "gapi", meaning "hole" or "chasm".
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