The Blood Chemistry panel scans the function of a number of different organ systems in the body. Abnormal results do not necessarily imply disease and some people with disease may have normal results. The panel, however, may give clues to be pursued by further testing or simply followed over time. Minor variations from these averages ranges can be seen in normal individuals and are not cause for alarm.
ALBUMIN: A blood protein manufactured by the liver. The average is 3.5 to 5.3 g. Marked changes may be related to liver disease, kidney disease or from poor nutrition.
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE: A protein released in the blood when damage to the liver or bone occurs. The average range for adults is 37 to 147 U, although young people may have higher values due to normal bone growth.
BILIRUBIN: Reflects the level of bile pigment in the blood. The average range is 0.2 to 1.1 ml. Increases can be associated with liver disease or during excessive breakdown of red blood cells. Mild increases are sometimes seen without clinical significance.
BUN: Also known as blood urea nitrogen. Measures kidney function and is similar to creatine. Average value is 7 to 21 mgs. Can alos be elevated with dehydration and steroid use.
CALCIUM: An important mineral stored in the bone. Average values are 8.4 to 1.5 mg. Diseases causing destruction of the bone or hormonal abnormalities can increase values, while poor oral intake, kidney disease, or lack of vitamin D can decrease values.
CHLORIDE: A body salt usually rising and falling with sodium. Average ranges are from 98 to 108 mmol.
CHOLESTEROL: An important blood fat, in part, obtained by eating animal fats and such foods as eggs, nuts, cheese, cream, liver, pork, beef, etc. Increased values correlate with a tendency towards atherosclerosis.
CREATININE: A waste product of muscle breakdown which is removed from the blood by normal functioning kidneys. Average values up to 1.5 mg.
GGPT: A protein found in liver cells. Damage to the liver, particularly withe excessive alcohol intake, may increase values. GGPT is also elevated when taking certain medications.
GLUCLOSE: A measure of your serum blood sugar. High values are seen with diabetes, steroid use or highly stressed metabolic states. Levels may be significantly altered by diet and medications. Average fasting values for people less than age 50 are up to 115 mg, while for those greater than 50 up to 125 mg.
HDL-CHOLESTEROL The “good cholesterol” in your bloodstream, this special protein acts to take cholesterol away from the arteries. The higher the value, the more protection against heart disease and strokes. Can be increased by exercise and weight loss.
PHOSPHORUS: Generally related to bone activity and kidney function. It usually follows the opposite pattern of blood calcium levels. Average values are 2.4 to 4.5 mg.
IRON: An important element in red blood cells. It may be low in anemia and high in excessive iron states and pregnancy. Average range is 40 to 175 mg. The cause of low levels is very important to determine.
POTASSIUM: One of the important body salts, especially for normal functioning of muscle tissue (heart and skeletal muscle). Dehydration, long fasting and the breakdown of blood cells can increase the value. “Water pills” will frequently lower levels while kidney injury increases it. Average range is 3.5 to 5.3 mmol.
PROTHROMBIN TIME (PT): A blood test that measures how long it takes blood to clot. A prothrombin time test can be used to check for bleeding problems. PT is also used to check whether medicine to prevent blood clots is working.
SGOT/AST SGPT/ALT: Proteins found inside of the liver and muscle cells. Damage to these tissues may dramatically increase values. Average level for SGOT is 12 to 32 U; for SGPT, 4 to 36 U.
SODIUM: The major salt in the human body. Serum levels indirectly reflect the overall fluid balance of an individual. Normal values are between 135 – 146 mmol.
TOTAL PROTEIN: The combination of albumin and globulin. Abnormal values occur in liver and kidney disease, severe infections and with poor nutrition. Average values are 6.0 to 8.3 g.
TRIGLYCERIDES: Another type of blood fat which can lead to hardening of the arteries at excessive levels. Excessive alcohol can increase values. Overnight fasting required for accurate measurement. Average is 35 to 160 mg.
URIC ACID: A breakdown product from old cells which in excessive amounts can deposit in the kidney to cause stones and in the joints to cause gout. Excessive alcohol, rich diets and “water pills” may increase values. The average range is below 8.0 mg in men and 7.0 mg in women.