Hepatology

SAAG (Ascites)

Serum–ascites albumin gradient.

Education and reference only. Not a substitute for clinical judgement, local policy or product labelling. Always verify before clinical use. Values are calculated in your browser and never stored.

When to use

Use on paired serum and ascitic-fluid albumin to determine whether ascites is due to portal hypertension.

Why use

It classifies ascites better than the older transudate/exudate approach.

Critical actions

Use g/dL (divide g/L by 10) and samples taken the same day. A gradient ≥1.1 g/dL indicates portal hypertension with ~97% accuracy.

Evidence & references

  1. Runyon BA et al. The serum-ascites albumin gradient is superior to the exudate-transudate concept. Ann Intern Med. 1992.

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