ANION GAP Meaning and
Definition
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The anion gap is a medical term used to describe the difference between the concentration of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) in the blood. It is determined by subtracting the concentration of measured cations (such as sodium and potassium) from the concentration of measured anions (such as chloride and bicarbonate) in a blood sample. The anion gap reflects the presence of unmeasured anions, mainly organic acids, in the blood.
A normal anion gap typically falls within a specific range, indicating a balance between the concentration of cations and anions. Abnormalities in the anion gap may suggest underlying medical conditions or disturbances in the body's acid-base balance. An elevated anion gap may be indicative of metabolic acidosis, which occurs when there is excess acid or a decrease in bicarbonate levels, potentially caused by conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or toxic ingestions. Conversely, a decreased anion gap may be associated with hypoalbuminemia, a condition marked by low levels of albumin in the blood.
The anion gap is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions, particularly those affecting the body's acid-base balance. It helps healthcare providers evaluate electrolyte imbalances, acidosis, and certain toxicities. The anion gap can provide important information in the clinical context and aids healthcare professionals in guiding appropriate treatment strategies for patients.
Common Misspellings for ANION GAP
- znion gap
- snion gap
- wnion gap
- qnion gap
- abion gap
- amion gap
- ajion gap
- ahion gap
- anuon gap
- anjon gap
- ankon gap
- anoon gap
- an9on gap
- an8on gap
- aniin gap
- anikn gap
- aniln gap
- anipn gap
- ani0n gap
- ani9n gap
Etymology of ANION GAP
The etymology of the word "anion gap" can be broken down as follows:
1. Anion: The term "anion" comes from the Greek word "anienai" which means "to go up" or "to flow up". It was coined in the mid-19th century and is used in chemistry to refer to a negatively charged ion, one that migrates towards the anode (positive electrode) during electrolysis.
2. Gap: The word "gap" derives from the Old Norse word "gap", meaning an "opening" or "chasm". It became part of the English language in the 14th century and is used to describe an empty space or a missing part within a series or sequence.
When combined, the term "anion gap" refers to the measurement of the difference between the concentrations of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions) in the blood.
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