Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG)
Determines etiology of ascites by differentiating portal hypertensive from non-portal hypertensive causes.
g/dL
Serum albumin concentration
g/dL
Ascitic fluid albumin concentration
References
- Serum Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) Interpretation - Medscape
- The Evaluation of SAAG and Portal Hypertensive changes in Cirrhotic Patients - PMC / Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol
Clinical Notes & Warnings
- Simultaneous samples required for accurate interpretation.
- High SAAG confirms portal hypertension but does not indicate specific cause.
- Values between 1.0 and 1.1 may be equivocal.
- Serum and ascites albumin must be measured using the same assay.
SAAG is more accurate than total protein classification. Portal hypertensive ascites is associated with complications like varices and SBP.