SAAG Calculator 🧪

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🎯 What is SAAG?

  • SAAG = Serum Albumin - Ascites Albumin
  • Threshold: ≥1.1 g/dL indicates portal hypertension
  • Accuracy: ~97% for distinguishing portal vs non-portal causes
  • Units: g/L (Irish/British standard)

📊 Clinical Interpretation

  • High SAAG (≥1.1 g/dL): Portal hypertension likely
  • Low SAAG (<1.1 g/dL): Portal hypertension unlikely
  • Consider ascites protein if SAAG borderline
  • Always correlate with clinical findings and imaging

🔍 High SAAG Causes (Portal Hypertension)

  • Cirrhosis (most common cause)
  • Heart failure (right-sided)
  • Budd-Chiari syndrome
  • Portal vein thrombosis
  • Constrictive pericarditis
  • Veno-occlusive disease

🔍 Low SAAG Causes (Non-Portal Hypertension)

  • Peritoneal carcinomatosis
  • Tuberculous peritonitis
  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • Pancreatic ascites
  • Chylous ascites
  • Serositis (SLE, etc.)

⚠️ Important Notes

  • False positive rate: <3%
  • False negative rate: ~5%
  • Most accurate when ascites protein <2.5 g/dL
  • Consider other tests if clinical picture unclear
  • SAAG remains valid even with diuretic use

Links

SAAG Calculator

Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient

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