What is the normal range for the anion gap?

The normal range for the anion gap is typically considered to be between 7 and 17 mEq/L. This range is important in clinical practice as it helps in diagnosing and differentiating various types of metabolic acidosis. An anion gap that falls outside this range may indicate the presence of unmeasured anions, such as in conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis or lactic acidosis, which can be critical to identify for effective patient management.

The specific range of 7 to 17 mEq/L provides a balance that takes into account variations in laboratory methods and patient populations, which is why it is widely accepted in clinical guidelines. Understanding the normal range for the anion gap allows practitioners to interpret laboratory results accurately and make informed decisions about further diagnostic work-up or treatment strategies.