🫃 Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG)
Determine whether ascites is due to portal hypertension with the SAAG.
Clinical takeaway
≥ 1.1 g/dL is ~97% accurate for portal hypertension.
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When to use
Classify ascites in the diagnostic work-up.
How it works
SAAG = serum albumin − ascites albumin (same-day samples). ≥ 1.1 g/dL indicates portal hypertension.
Key points
- ≥ 1.1 g/dL is ~97% accurate for portal hypertension.
- Add ascitic total protein to separate cardiac from cirrhotic ascites.
- < 1.1 suggests malignancy, TB or pancreatitis.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Serum albumin | 3.5 g/dL |
|---|---|
| Ascites albumin | 1.0 g/dL |
→SAAG2.5g/dL
- Interpretation：≥ 1.1 — portal hypertension (e.g. cirrhosis, heart failure)
- Formula：serum albumin − ascites albumin (same-day samples)
Frequently asked questions
- What is Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG)?
- Determine whether ascites is due to portal hypertension with the SAAG.
- How is Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) calculated? What is the core formula?
- SAAG = serum albumin − ascites albumin (same-day samples). ≥ 1.1 g/dL indicates portal hypertension.
- When is Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) used?
- Classify ascites in the diagnostic work-up.
- What are the key clinical points for Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG)?
- ≥ 1.1 g/dL is ~97% accurate for portal hypertension. Add ascitic total protein to separate cardiac from cirrhotic ascites. < 1.1 suggests malignancy, TB or pancreatitis.
- What are the limits and cautions when using Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG)?
- For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
- How is Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Serum albumin 3.5 g/dL, Ascites albumin 1.0 g/dL → Result: SAAG 2.5 g/dL（Interpretation: ≥ 1.1 — portal hypertension (e.g. cirrhosis, heart failure), Formula: serum albumin − ascites albumin (same-day samples)）