Anion gap

In plasma

Cations Na+136 mEq/L K+ 4.5 mEq/L Ca++ 5 mEq/L Mg++ 1.5 mEq/L

Anions Cl- 100 mEq/L HCO3- 24 mEq/L Proteins 15 mEq/L PO4--- 2 mEq/L SO4-- 1 mEq/L Organic acid 5 mEq/L

The normal range of anion gap is 8 to 16.

The anion gap is increased in Lactic acidosis DKA Hyperosmolar acidosis Salicylate poisoning Ethylene glycol poisoning Paraldehyde poisoning Hypokalaemia Hypocalcaemia Hypomagnesaemia.

Anion gap reduced in Bromide poisoning Myeloma.