The term AGAP is an abbreviation for the Anion Gap, which is a measurement of ions that have either a positive or negative charge, present in the blood. The anion gap tends to increase whenever there is an excess of acids in the blood which is usually the result of insufficient removal of acids via the lungs stomach or kidneys. These excess acids lead to a rapid respiratory rate, triggering an inability for the affected person to be able to hold on to his or her breath, low blood pressure, fatigue as well as a number of other medical problems.
One of the factors that greatly influence the transactions that take place inside a particular cell is the electrical potential that exists between the inside of the cell and the outside of the cell. Some of the more common factors that influence an elevated anion gap include an overproduction of lactic acid as a result of a respiratory failure, nutritional deficiencies that significantly impair the body's ability to metabolize lactic acid such as B vitamins, as well as an inability to excrete acids due to the presence of a renal disease. Dehydration and excessive toxins present in the body are also very common causes of a high anion gap.
How is a Anion Gap Blood Test Done?
The anion gap blood test is essentially performed on a sample of blood that is drawn from the patient's vein. As with any blood test, the patient will normally have a strap fastened around the top of the arm in order for the vein to fill up with blood and become more noticeable. The targeted vein will then be cleansed with the help of an antiseptic before the syringe is inserted into the vein and the blood collected. The patient will experience some amount of pain during the process of withdrawal of blood and some people may even feel severely faint and weak, depending on how they react to needles in general.
What are normal test results?
What is considered to be a normal test reading will depend largely on factors such as the patients age, gender, overall health, and medical history as well as methods used for the test. Normal test results are considered to be at 7 to 16 mEq/L without calculating potassium and 10 - 20 mEq/L with calculating potassium.
How to prepare for a AGAP Blood Test?
Preparation for the test does not require any special procedures; however, it is essential that you inform the healthcare worker if you are allergic to latex. If you are under any medication, prescribed or otherwise, you should inform your doctor of the same as some drugs are known to interfere with the test results.
Submitted by N S on December 23, 2009 at 02:46