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prognia.

Pulmonology

A-a Oxygen Gradient

4 inputsPulmonology

Alveolar-arterial O₂ difference — gas exchange assessment.

A-a Oxygen Gradient calculator

Result

9.7mmHg

Normal A-a gradient

Expected for age 40: ~11 mmHg.

21 to 100 %

10 to 100 mmHg

20 to 600 mmHg

1 to 100 years

How to use it

  1. 1

    Record FiO₂. 21% on room air; calculate or estimate on supplemental O₂.

  2. 2

    From ABG: PaCO₂ and PaO₂. Ensure sample is arterial.

  3. 3

    Interpret. Normal A-a with hypoxia → hypoventilation. Elevated A-a → V/Q mismatch, shunt, or diffusion limitation.

When to use it

Hypoxia workup
Differentiates hypoventilation (normal A-a, e.g., opioid) from parenchymal (elevated A-a, e.g., PE/pneumonia).
PE assessment
PE classically gives elevated A-a with low PaCO₂ (hyperventilation).
ARDS
PaO₂/FiO₂ <300 + elevated A-a in bilateral infiltrates = Berlin criteria.

A reference for clinicians and students, not medical advice. A score supports a decision; it does not make one. Check every result against the patient in front of you and your local protocol.

At a glance

Specialty
Pulmonology
Inputs
4
Type
Formula

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