Input parameters
Calculated SAAG
SAAG: – g/dL
Category: –
Pattern note: –
Interpretation summary: –
Note / context: –
Results table
| # | Serum albumin (g/dL) | Ascites albumin (g/dL) | Ascites protein (g/dL) | SAAG (g/dL) | Category | Pattern | Context / note |
|---|
Example SAAG cases
The table below illustrates typical gradients and broad interpretations.
| Case | Serum albumin (g/dL) | Ascites albumin (g/dL) | SAAG (g/dL) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3.2 | 1.8 | 1.4 | High gradient; compatible with portal hypertension such as cirrhosis. |
| 2 | 2.8 | 2.2 | 0.6 | Low gradient; suggests non-portal causes, consider malignancy or infection. |
| 3 | 4.0 | 2.9 | 1.1 | Borderline high; interpret alongside hemodynamics and imaging findings. |
| 4 | 3.5 | 1.9 | 1.6 | High gradient; portal hypertension pattern but always correlate clinically. |
Formula used
Serum-ascites albumin gradient is calculated as:
SAAG = Serum albumin − Ascites albumin (both expressed in g/dL).
When albumin or ascitic protein values are entered in g/L, the calculator converts them to g/dL by dividing each value by ten before calculating the gradient or pattern.
Common interpretive thresholds:
- SAAG ≥ 1.1 g/dL: High gradient, usually associated with portal hypertension.
- SAAG < 1.1 g/dL: Low gradient, more compatible with non-portal hypertension causes.
Always integrate results with history, examination, imaging, and other laboratory data.
How to use this calculator
- Obtain serum and ascitic fluid albumin values from the same timeframe.
- Select the appropriate unit for all measurements, g/dL or g/L.
- Optionally enter ascitic total protein and choose a threshold.
- Pick a clinical context tag and add a brief free-text note.
- Press “Calculate SAAG” and review gradient, category, and pattern hints.
- Use “Download CSV”, “Download PDF” or print view to export the table.
This tool supports serial measurements for a single patient or comparison across several patients.
Clinical caution
This calculator does not provide a diagnosis or treatment recommendation.
Suggested gradients and patterns are generic and may not apply universally.
Decisions must always be made by qualified clinicians using full clinical context.
Conditions commonly associated with high SAAG values
High SAAG ascites is classically linked with portal hypertension. Cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, chronic viral hepatitis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are frequent underlying liver causes.
Extrahepatic conditions such as right-sided heart failure, constrictive pericarditis and Budd–Chiari syndrome can also produce high SAAG gradients through elevated venous pressures.
Conditions commonly associated with low SAAG values
Low SAAG ascites suggests non-portal hypertension mechanisms. Peritoneal carcinomatosis, tuberculous peritonitis, pancreatic ascites and serositis from autoimmune disease are frequently reported low SAAG etiologies.
Nephrotic syndrome and protein-losing enteropathy may also present with low SAAG values because of reduced oncotic pressure and altered fluid shifts rather than portal pressure elevation.
Practical factors influencing SAAG accuracy
SAAG reliability depends on near-simultaneous serum and ascitic sampling. Marked delays between blood draw and paracentesis can distort the gradient and confuse clinical interpretation.
Laboratory calibration, severe hypoalbuminemia, ongoing diuretic therapy and recent large-volume paracentesis may subtly influence measured values; these factors should be considered before acting on borderline gradients.