The higher this value, the higher the risk of developing CVD.Ĭholesterol, total serum – Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is used by the body in the formation of cell membranes, bile acids, and hormones. The ratio is compared to those of participants in the Framingham Heart Study, a large research study dedicated to identifying the factors that contribute to development of coronary vascular disease (CVD). Your healthcare provider interprets the significance of low or high chloride values in relation to the levels of other electrolytes.Ĭholesterol/HDL Ratio – This ratio represents total cholesterol divided by HDL value. The normal concentration of chloride is maintained within a narrow range, and alteration of chloride is rarely a primary problem. It is bound mainly to sodium and potassium in the form of salt, and plays a role in the functioning of the body’s cell membranes. ()Ĭhloride – Chloride is another electrolyte found in the blood. It can also be used to check the functioning of the heart after coronary artery bypass graft surgery or angioplasty. ![]() Low calcium levels may be the result of metabolic or kidney diseases, as well as vitamin D deficiency and malabsorption of calcium from the intestine.Ĭardiac Enzymes – A cardiac enzyme test is one way to assess of a person is currently experiencing or recently had a heart attack. Elevations in blood calcium values can occur with bone and metabolic diseases and some medications and vitamins. The body maintains its blood calcium in a very narrow range. BUN can be lower than normal if the liver reduces production or urea nitrogen, which occurs with liver disease and malnutrition.Ĭalcium – Calcium in the blood plays an important role in nerve function and muscle contraction. BUN is a nonspecific test of kidney function since it can be elevated with dehydration and blood in the gastrointestinal tract. Because BUN is excreted by the kidneys, the clearance of this substance from blood is used to evaluate kidney function. ()īlood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) – Blood urea nitrogen is a normal waste product of protein metabolism. Higher than normal results suggest that a person has some degree of heart failure, and that the level of BNP in the blood is related to its severity. It can be used, along with other cardiac biomarker tests, to detect heart stress and damage and/or, along with other lung function tests, to distinguish between causes of shortness of breath. ()ī-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) – A test for BNP is primarily used to help detect, diagnose, and evaluate the severity of heart failure. Abnormal results of any of the blood gas components may indicate oxygen deficiency, excessive carbon dioxide, or problems with kidney function. They are typically ordered if someone is having worsening symptoms of a respiratory problem, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, and a condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is suspected. Strenuous exercise may increase bilirubin levels.īlood Gas (ABG) – Blood gas measurements are used to evaluate lung function and acid/base balance. African Americans routinely show lower bilirubin concentrations than non-African Americans. Bilirubin concentrations tend to be slightly higher in males than in females. It may be used to help determine the cause of jaundice and/or help diagnose conditions such as liver disease, hemolytic anemia, and blockage of the bile ducts. ![]() It may also be released from red blood cells if those cells are damaged when blood is being drawn.īilirubin Total – A bilirubin test is used to detect an increased level in the blood. Increased blood levels occur with heart, liver, and muscle damage. Elevations in alkaline phosphatase can indicate liver or bone disease.Īspartate transaminase (AST) – AST is an enzyme concentrated mainly in the heart and liver. Significant elevations suggest liver disease.Īlkaline Phosphatase – Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme located primarily in the body’s liver and bone cells. ![]() Dehydration can cause increased albumin levels.Īlanine transaminase (ALT) – ALT is an enzyme concentrated mainly in the liver. ![]() Low levels occur in malnutrition and in some chronic diseases. A low ratio is found in some types of liver and kidney diseases, infections, and inflammations.Īlbumin – Albumin is the major protein found in blood and is a good reflection of one’s nutritional status. Hepatic Function Panel (LIVER PNL)Ī/G Ratio – The albumin/globulin ratio is the albumin (A) laboratory value divided by the globulin (G) value.
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