What Does It Mean If Your Anion Gap Is Low?

Posted on Wed, 17 Jan 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 Answered on

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : low anion gap levels? 8.1 ( 10 - 20)
should i be worried i got that test in the hospital? i go see my dr tomorrow. im worried because i know it bad when its low. does this mean i have multiple myeloma?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can be a normal variation.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A low anion gap can be a normal variant due to dilution. It does not always indicate a problem. This can happen due to low levels of albumin also. With no other symptoms, it does not suggest a multiple myeloma. The test can be repeated after a few weeks to validate the findings. Do go for your check up and get further investigations done to find cause if any.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T