Osmolal Gap Calculator
Compute the osmolal gap to help assess metabolic and toxicologic causes.
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Osmolal Gap:
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Data Source and Methodology
Tutti i calcoli si basano rigorosamente sulle formule e sui dati forniti da University of Iowa Health Care.
The Formula Explained
\[ \text{Osmolal Gap} = \text{Measured Osmolality} - \left( 2 \times \text{Na} + \frac{\text{Glucose}}{18} + \frac{\text{BUN}}{2.8} \right) \]
Glossary of Terms
- Sodium (Na+): A critical electrolyte in the blood.
- Glucose: A simple sugar and important energy source.
- BUN: Blood Urea Nitrogen, a waste product in the blood.
- Osmolal Gap: The difference between measured and calculated osmolality.
How It Works: A Step-by-Step Example
For example, if the measured osmolality is 300, sodium is 140, glucose is 90, and BUN is 14, then:
- Calculated Osmolality = \( 2 \times 140 + \frac{90}{18} + \frac{14}{2.8} = 287.5 \)
- Osmolal Gap = \( 300 - 287.5 = 12.5 \)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is osmolality?
Osmolality is a measure of solute concentration per unit of solvent in blood.
Why calculate the osmolal gap?
It helps identify unmeasured osmoles in the blood, indicating potential toxicities or imbalances.
How is the osmolal gap used clinically?
Clinicians use it to assess specific types of intoxications or metabolic disorders.
What is considered a normal osmolal gap?
A normal osmolal gap is typically less than 10 mOsm/kg.
What could cause an elevated osmolal gap?
An elevated gap might indicate the presence of substances like ethanol or methanol in the blood.