How to Interpret an Anion Gap with Unremarkable Bicarbonate
What the anion gap indicates The anion gap is a helpful way to interpret electrolytes on a blood test and search for hidden acid-base issues. It is usually calculated from sodium , chloride , and bicarbonate, which is often reported as carbon dioxide on a chemistry panel. Because the body must maintain acid-base balance , changes in these laboratory values can reveal whether there are excess acids or unmeasured substances in the blood. The core conce