Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG)

Serum Albumin :
Ascites Albumin :

SAAG is the standard for defining presence of portal hypertension (does not differentiate cause) in patients with ascites.


Formula :

SAAG = (albumin concentration of serum) – (albumin concentration of ascitic fluid).

Explanation of Result :

A high gradient (> 1.1 g/dL) indicates the ascites is due to portal hypertension with 97% accuracy.

About the Calculation :

* Please verify all calculations prior to clinical use.

Reference(s) :

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