SAAG-Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient, Serum and Ascitic Fluid Test
SAAG-Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient, Serum and Ascitic Fluid Test
Certain complications can cause fluids to accumulate in the cavity where most of our digestive organs are held (peritoneal cavity). This condition is called ascites. Ascites can be a painful condition, where your mobility or ability to move around may also be affected. This test is done to find the reasons behind this fluid accumulation.
What is the SAAG-Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient, Serum and Ascitic Fluid Test Used For?
By measuring the difference between the albumin levels (a type of protein) present in the blood and the fluid accumulated in the abdomen, this test can diagnose the reasons causing this fluid accumulation. Some of these possible reasons are
Portal Hypertension (a condition where the main vein, a blood vessel, leading towards the liver has high pressure due to liver complications like cirrhosis)
Problems in the peritoneal cavity due to different reasons
Symptoms of Portal Hypertension and Peritoneal Complications
People suffering from portal hypertension, which is a possible reason for ascites, mainly have liver complications. People suffering from portal hypertension would observe symptoms such as
Ascites or fluid accumulation in the abdomen
Blood in the stool
Vomiting blood
Fluid accumulation in the legs or Oedema
Jaundice
Hernia near the navel
Confusion
Enlarged blood vessels in the abdomen
Preparation for Test
Before the test, let your general physician know of any medication, supplements or treatments that you are taking or undergoing. Your physician may ask you halt certain medications (diuretics or water pills) for some time before the test. No other special preparations are required for this test.
Interpretation of Test Results
This test is done by calculating the albumin levels (a type of protein) of both the ascites fluid and in the blood serum. The difference or gradient between the protein levels in the serum and the ascites (SAAG) helps in diagnosing the reason behind ascites. After getting some clues from this test, doctors will recommend other tests to treat the underlying conditions which are causing this fluid accumulation.
A higher SAAG level, greater than or equal to 1.1 grams per decilitre indicates that this condition is due to complications related to the liver (portal hypertension, liver failure) or other organs such as heart or kidney. It may also be due to certain cancers.
A lower SAAG level, less than 1.1 grams per decilitre may point towards complications in the peritoneal cavity (the space between abdominal walls and organs) which may be due to rupture in certain organs, releasing fluids into the peritoneal cavity. Other conditions like pancreatitis, fungal or parasitic infections, cancer, tuberculosis, autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, or even allergies can cause this fluid accumulation.
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