Blood
Anion Gap
CONVERT & COMPARE
mEq/L
=
11
mmol/L
About Anion Gap
An anion gap blood test gives a measurement of the acid-base balance (pH balance) in your blood. This lets you know whether your blood is too acidic or not acidic enough. The test also checks for an electrolyte imbalance in your blood. To do the measurement, an anion gap test uses the results of an electrolyte panel or other blood tests that measure your electrolytes.
Electrolytes are minerals that have an electrical charge when they are dissolved in water or body fluids. You get them from the foods you eat and the fluids you drink. You have electrolytes in your blood, urine, tissues, and other body fluids. They help control the acid-base balance of your blood. A few of your body's electrolytes that are often measured in your blood include sodium, chloride, potassium, and bicarbonate.
Some electrolytes have a positive electric charge. Others have a negative electric charge. The anion gap measures the difference, or gap, between the negatively charged and positively charged electrolytes in your blood. If the anion gap is too high, your blood is more acidic than normal. If the anion gap is too low, your blood isn't acidic enough. Both high and low results may be signs of a serious disorder that needs attention.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Useful for
The anion gap blood test shows whether your electrolytes are out of balance or if your blood is too acidic or not acidic enough.
Too much acid in the blood is called acidosis.
Too little acid in your blood is called alkalosis.
Both conditions can be serious.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
Interpretation
Normal results may vary by lab. Your anion gap results may be based on the results of an electrolyte panel, a basic metabolic panel (BMP), a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), or a renal function panel (RFP).
Several types of medical conditions can cause abnormal anion gap test results. Your provider will use the results of this test, your medical history, and other tests to make a diagnosis.
A high anion gap test result may mean that you have acidosis. A low anion gap test result may mean you have alkalosis, but this result is so rare that your provider will usually have you tested again to make sure the results are accurate.
For general wellness information only. Talk to a clinician about your specific results.
Main source: MedlinePlus ↗
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Sources
Last updated 2026-05-02
This page presents source-specific reference data and sourced explanations. For general wellness information only. This is not medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment of any condition, talk to a qualified clinician.