What is considered a normal anion gap value?

A normal anion gap is generally considered to be less than 12 mEq/L. The anion gap is calculated using the concentrations of various electrolytes in the blood, mainly sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate, and it helps to identify the presence of metabolic acidosis and other acid-base disturbances.

When evaluating anion gap values, a value within the range of less than 12 mEq/L indicates a typical balance of anions and cations, thus suggesting that there are no significant unmeasured anions contributing to an acid-base disorder. This understanding is crucial in clinical practice as it guides the assessment of potential underlying conditions that may lead to abnormalities. Values above this normal range could suggest metabolic disturbances, while those below may indicate other concerns or variations due to laboratory standards.