Anion Gap in Sepsis: Na 136, Cl 98, HCO3 16, Albumin 3
In sepsis, lactic acidosis can raise the anion gap; with Na 136, Cl 98, HCO3 16, and albumin 3, the corrected anion gap is elevated.
How to use this tool
- Enter sodium (na⁺), chloride (cl⁻), bicarbonate (hco₃⁻) and albumin (optional) in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
- Read your anion gap and the full breakdown beneath it.
Sepsis-related lactic acidosis produces a high anion gap; these values mimic a typical presentation with mildly low albumin from critical illness.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a normal anion gap?
- With modern analysers (which include K⁺), normal AG is typically 8–12 mEq/L. Older literature sometimes uses 12–16 (K excluded). This calculator uses the standard Na−(Cl+HCO₃) formula.
- Why correct for albumin?
- Each 1 g/dL fall in albumin below 4.0 g/dL lowers AG by ~2.5 mEq/L. A hypoalbuminaemic patient with a seemingly normal AG may actually have a masked high-AG acidosis; the corrected AG unmasks it.
- What are common causes of a high anion gap?
- The MUDPILES mnemonic: Methanol, Uraemia, Diabetic ketoacidosis, Propylene glycol / Paracetamol, Isoniazid, Lactic acidosis, Ethylene glycol, Salicylates.