Final answer:
The anion gap is primarily used for quality control of laboratory results for sodium, potassium, chloride, and total CO₂, which are critical for maintaining the body's acid-base balance and electrolyte levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anion gap is a calculation used to assess the concentrations of various ions in the blood. Specifically, it is useful for quality control of laboratory results principally for sodium, potassium, chloride, and total CO₂, which play key roles in the body's acid-base balance and electrolyte homeostasis. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are also important electrolytes in the body, but they are not typically included in the anion gap calculation. Instead, the total CO₂ value, as a surrogate for bicarbonate level, with sodium, potassium, and chloride inform clinicians about possible metabolic disturbances, such as acidosis and alkalosis. Electrolyte imbalances can lead to significant clinical concerns and are important for diagnosing a variety of conditions.