What is a 'High Gap'?

A gap greater than 12 mEq/L typically indicates 'High Anion Gap Metabolic Acidosis' (HAGMA), requiring immediate investigation for the underlying cause.

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Anion Gap – Metabolic Acidosis Service | CalcTools

Calculate the anion gap to identify hidden acids in the blood. Essential acid-base service.

When a patient's blood becomes too acidic, the 'Anion Gap' is the first clue used to find the cause. By measuring the difference between the most common positive and negative ions, our service reveals the presence of 'unmeasured' acids like lactate, ketones, or toxins. This is an essential diagnostic service for identifying life-threatening conditions like Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) or sepsis before they become obvious through other symptoms.

Educational use only. This tool does not replace clinical judgment or local protocols.

Include K⁺?

Sodium (Na⁺)

Chloride (Cl⁻)

HCO₃⁻

Potassium (K⁺)

Calculated Gap

14mmol/L

Anion Gap is 14 mmol/L

Na - (Cl + HCO₃) = 140 - (102 + 24)

Sodium (Na⁺)140

Chloride (Cl⁻)102

HCO₃⁻24

Potassium (K⁺)4

Include PotassiumNo

How it Works

The tool subtracts the sum of the major anions (Chloride and Bicarbonate) from the major cation (Sodium) to quantify the remaining 'gap' of unmeasured ions.

Calculation Formula

Gap = Na⁺ - (Cl⁻ + HCO₃⁻)

Calculation Examples

1. **DKA**: Na 140, Cl 100, HCO3 10 = **Gap 30** (Severe).

Why use this tool in your daily life?

Unmasking hidden threats. This service is the key to differentiating between simple dehydration and complex metabolic emergencies, ensuring that patients receive the correct life-saving treatments immediately.