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Blood Chemistry Test

Blood chemistry tests assess various substances in the blood to evaluate organ health, electrolyte balance, and metabolic activity. Key components include electrolytes, liver function tests, kidney function tests, glucose metabolism, and lipid panel measurements. Each parameter provides critical insights into health conditions, with specific reference ranges indicating normal or abnormal levels.

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John kyle Villahermosa
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14 views4 pages

Blood Chemistry Test

Blood chemistry tests assess various substances in the blood to evaluate organ health, electrolyte balance, and metabolic activity. Key components include electrolytes, liver function tests, kidney function tests, glucose metabolism, and lipid panel measurements. Each parameter provides critical insights into health conditions, with specific reference ranges indicating normal or abnormal levels.

Uploaded by

John kyle Villahermosa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1. What is Blood Chemistry?

● Definition:
Blood chemistry tests, also called a chemistry profile or chem panel, measure various
substances in the blood that reflect organ health, electrolyte balance, and metabolic
activity.
● Commonly Measured Parameters:
○ Electrolytes (e.g., sodium, potassium, chloride).
○ Enzymes (e.g., ALT, AST).
○ Metabolites (e.g., urea, creatinine, glucose).
○ Other substances (e.g., bilirubin, total protein).

2. Electrolytes

Electrolytes regulate nerve function, hydration, and acid-base balance in the body.

Sodium (Na):

● Role:
Maintains extracellular fluid balance and acid-base equilibrium.
● Imbalances:
○ Hypernatremia (High Sodium): Often due to dehydration or inadequate water
intake.
○ Hyponatremia (Low Sodium): May result from excessive sodium loss, fluid
retention, or overhydration.
● Reference Range: 135–145 mEq/L.

Potassium (K):

● Role:
Primary intracellular cation; essential for muscle contraction, nerve function, and
acid-base balance.
● Imbalances:
○ Hyperkalemia (High Potassium): Caused by kidney failure, severe burns, or
adrenal gland dysfunction.
○ Hypokalemia (Low Potassium): Due to diuretic use, vomiting, diarrhea, or
eating disorders.
● Reference Range: 3.5–5.0 mEq/L.

Chloride (Cl):
● Role:
Works with sodium to regulate osmotic pressure and acid-base balance.
● Imbalances:
○ Hypochloremia (Low Chloride): Associated with alkalosis.
○ Hyperchloremia (High Chloride): May result from kidney disease or overactive
thyroid.
● Reference Range: 95–106 mEq/L.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂):

● Role:
Indicates the body’s acid-base balance, as it reflects bicarbonate levels.
● Imbalances:
○ High CO₂ (Metabolic Alkalosis): Excess bicarbonate in the blood.
○ Low CO₂ (Metabolic Acidosis): Reflects high acid levels or bicarbonate loss.
● Reference Range: 23–30 mEq/L.

3. Liver Function Tests

These assess liver health by measuring enzyme activity and bilirubin levels.

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT):

● Role:
An enzyme found in the liver, kidneys, and muscles. High ALT levels indicate liver
damage or injury.
● Causes of Elevated ALT:
○ Hepatitis, cirrhosis, bile duct obstruction.
○ Toxic effects from drugs or alcohol.
● Reference Range: 4–36 IU/L.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST):

● Role:
An enzyme present in the liver, heart, and muscles. Released into the blood after organ
or tissue damage.
● Timing:
Levels peak 24–36 hours after injury and normalize within 4–6 days.
● Causes of Elevated AST:
○ Myocardial infarction (heart attack).
○ Acute viral hepatitis, pancreatitis, muscle injuries.
● Reference Range: 0–35 U/L.

Bilirubin:
● Role:
A pigment produced from the breakdown of red blood cells, processed by the liver, and
excreted in bile.
● Types:
○ Direct (Conjugated): Processed in the liver; elevated in bile duct obstruction.
○ Indirect (Unconjugated): Reflects hemolysis or liver dysfunction.
● Reference Range:
○ Total Bilirubin: 0.3–1.0 mg/dL.
○ Direct Bilirubin: 0.1–0.3 mg/dL.
○ Indirect Bilirubin: 0.2–0.8 mg/dL.
● Clinical Significance:
Levels >2 mg/dL cause jaundice.

4. Kidney Function Tests

These tests evaluate how well the kidneys are filtering waste products.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN):

● Role:
Urea is the end product of protein metabolism, excreted by the kidneys.
● Elevated BUN:
Indicates kidney failure or dehydration.
● Decreased BUN:
Can result from overhydration, liver disease, or malnutrition.
● Reference Range: 10–20 mg/dL.

Creatinine:

● Role:
A byproduct of muscle metabolism; a reliable indicator of kidney function.
● Elevated Creatinine:
Indicates significant kidney damage (when 50% or more of kidney nephrons are
impaired).
● Reference Range: 0.6–1.2 mg/dL.

5. Glucose Metabolism

Glucose tests are essential for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.

Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG):


● Purpose:
Measures serum glucose levels after at least 8 hours of fasting.
● Elevated Levels:
Indicates diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
● Reference Range: <100 mg/dL (normal).

Other Glucose Tests:

● Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT): Measures the body’s response to a glucose load.
● Hemoglobin A1C: Indicates average blood sugar levels over 2–3 months.

6. Lipid Panel

Lipid measurements evaluate cardiovascular health and lipid metabolism.

Cholesterol:

● Role:
A predictive marker for heart disease risk.
● Desirable Level: <200 mg/dL.
● Risk Levels:
○ Borderline High: 200–239 mg/dL.
○ High: >240 mg/dL.

Triglycerides (TG):

● Role:
Reflect dietary fat and energy metabolism.
● Desirable Level: <150 mg/dL.
● Elevated Levels:
Caused by obesity, diabetes, alcohol intake, or high carbohydrate diets.

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