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Chemistry Tests |
Reference Range |
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Glucose |
70-110 mg/dl |
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Glucose is a simple sugar that serves as the main energy source for the body. Under normal circumstances, insulin transports glucose into the body's cells, directs the body to store any excess, and keeps the level of glucose stable. It is usually ordered to detect high levels (hyperglycemia) and low levels (hypoglycemia) of glucose, to help diagnosis diabetes, and to monitor diabetes treatment. |
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Sodium |
135-148 mEq/L |
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Sodium is an electrolyte vital to fluid regulation. Low levels can be due to sodium loss (through diarrhea, excessive sweating or diuretic administration), kidney disease, too much water intake or retention, or fluid accumulation in the body (edema). High levels are almost always due to dehydration without enough water intake. |
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Potassium |
3.6-5.2 mEq/L |
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Potassium is an electrolyte found mainly within the body's cells. It is vital to proper function of the nerves, heart, and other muscles. Decreased levels may be caused by dehydration, heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney disease. Increased levels can indicate kidney disease and can be caused by some medications or an increased intake of dietary potassium. Because it is present within cells, falsely elevated levels can be caused by destruction of red cells during difficult venipuncture procedures. |
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Chloride |
100-110 mEq/L |
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Chloride is an electrolyte vital to fluid regulation. It also helps maintain the acid base balance. Increases and decreases usually parallel those of sodium. Decreased levels may be caused by excessive sweating, vomiting, and kidney disease. Increased levels can indicate dehydration. |
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BUN |
7-25 mg/dL |
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BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) is produced in the liver and carried to the kidneys where it is filtered out of the blood and excreted in urine. Increases may be seen in dehydration or if there is blood in the GI tract. If significant liver damage or disease or malnutrition inhibits production of urea, blood concentrations may be decreased. |
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Creatinine |
Females: 0.5-1.2 mg/dL |
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Creatinine is a waste product produced in the muscles. Almost all creatinine is excreted by the kidneys, so blood levels are a good way to assess kidney function. Elevations indicate kidney disease. |
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GFR |
59 mL/min/1.73 m2 |
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GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) is the approximate rate that blood is filtered by the kidneys and is the best test to measure the level of kidney function. The GFR is calculated using the serum creatinine result, age, and gender. |
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Total Protein |
6.4-8.2 g/dL |
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Total Protein includes two main types of protein found in the blood- albumin and globulin. Low total protein results can indicate a liver or kidney disorder, a condition in which protein is not digested or absorbed properly, or severe malnutrition. High total protein levels may be seen in chronic inflammation, multiple myeloma, or some infections. |
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Albumin |
3.4-5.0 g/dL |
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Albumin is the most abundant protein in the fluid portion of the blood (the plasma). It keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels, nourishes tissues, and transports hormones, vitamins, drugs, and ions throughout the body. Low levels are seen in liver damage, kidney disease that causes nephrotic syndrome, malnutrition, mal-absorption conditions, inflammation, or shock. High levels can be seen in dehydration (this is a relative increase that occurs as the volume of plasma decreases). |
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ALT |
10-65 U/L |
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ALT (Alanine transaminase) is an enzyme found primarily in the liver. Smaller amounts are found in the kidneys, heart, and muscles. Normally, ALT levels are low. When cells are damaged, they release ALT into the blood. Elevations indicate liver disease (such as hepatitis) or damage (such as cirrhosis). Certain drugs (such as statins), strenuous exercise, or an injection into muscle tissue can also cause elevations. |
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AST |
1-45 U/L |
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AST (Aspartate transaminase) is an enzyme found primarily in the liver and heart. Smaller amounts are found in other muscles. Normally AST levels are low. When liver or muscle cells are damaged, they release AST into the blood. Increased AST levels can indicate liver disease (such as hepatitis) or damage (such as cirrhosis), heart attack, certain drugs, strenuous exercise, or injection into muscle tissue. AST can also be falsely increased if red cells are damaged during venipuncture. |
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Alkaline Phosphatase |
50-136 U/L |
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Alkaline Phosphatase is an enzyme found primarily in the liver and bone. It can be elevated along with other liver test results during liver disease or damage. Alkaline Phosphatase may also be increased in bone diseases, such as Paget's disease, or if cancers have metastasized to bone. Pregnancy will also cause elevations. Children have elevated results because their bones are growing. |
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GGTP |
Males: 15-85 U/L Females: 5-55 U/L |
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GGT (Gamma Glutamyltransferase) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver. Normally GGT levels are low. During liver injury or obstruction, the GGT level will rise. It is the most sensitive liver enzyme in detecting bile duct problems, but is usually not helpful in distinguishing between different causes of liver damage. Elevated levels can also occur after the consumption of alcohol, with some medications, and in congestive heart failure. |
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LDH |
100-190 U/L |
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LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) is an enzyme contained in many body tissues. When cells are damaged or destroyed, LDH is released into the blood stream, making it a good general marker for cell injury. An elevated LDH can indicate injury to several different organs or body systems, including the heart, red blood cells, kidney, lungs, white blood cells, muscle, liver, and skeletal muscle. |
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Total Bilirubin |
0-1.5 mg/dL |
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Bilirubin is an orange-yellow pigment found in bile. Normally levels are low. Bilirubin levels become high in conditions where too much is being produced (such as hemolytic anemia, sickle cell disease, pernicious anemia, or a transfusion reaction) or when the liver is incapable of removing bilirubin (such as in blockage of the bile ducts, liver disease, or inherited disorders of bilirubin processing). When bilirubin levels in the blood increase, skin and eyes take on a yellowish color (jaundice). |
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Direct Bilirubin |
0-0.3 mg/dL |
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Direct Bilirubin is a specific type of bilirubin produced in the liver. |
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Amylase |
25-115 U/L |
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Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and, to a lesser extent, the salivary glands. When pancreatic cells are injured (as in pancreatitis) or the pancreatic duct is blocked, increased amounts of amylase are released into the blood. |
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Calcium |
8.5-10.5 mg/dL |
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Calcium is essential for the proper functioning of muscles, nerves, and the heart. It is also required for blood clotting and in bone formation. Low levels may be found when protein levels (especially albumin) are low. Calcium levels may also be decreased in kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, malnutrition, and alcoholism. |
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Phosphorus |
2.5-4.9 mg/dl |
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Phosphorus is vital for energy production, muscle and nerve function, and bone growth. Much of the phosphorus of the body is combined with calcium to help form bones and teeth. This test is usually performed to follow up an abnormal calcium result. |
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Magnesium |
1.8-2.4 mg/dL |
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Magnesium is a mineral vital to energy production, muscle contraction, nerve function, and maintenance of strong bones. About half of the body's magnesium is combined with calcium and phosphorus in the bones. Low levels may mean there is dietary insufficiency or insufficient absorption by the intestines. Increased levels are usually the result of an excretion problem or excessive supplementation. |
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Uric Acid |
Females: 2.6-6.0 mg/dL |
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Uric Acid is produced by the breakdown of body cells and is also obtained from food. If too much uric acid is produced or not enough is excreted, it can accumulate in the blood and in joints in the form of crystals (gout). High levels can also lead to kidney stones. Low levels are seldom a cause for concern. |
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Iron |
35-150 ug/dL |
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Iron is necessary component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen through the body. It is also used in the production of other proteins. If insufficient iron is taken in from the diet, levels in the blood can drop, which can deplete iron stored in the body. Over time, this can lead to iron deficiency anemia. |
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TIBC |
250-450 ug/dL |
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TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) measures the total amount of iron that can be bound by proteins in the blood. Elevated levels of TIBC are seen in iron deficiency anemia, pregnancy, and in patients on oral contraceptives. |
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Iron Saturation |
15-50 % |
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Iron Saturation reflects the amount of iron being transported in the blood and its capacity to carry more. Elevated iron saturation is seen in anemia and iron poisoning. Decreased levels are seen in iron deficiency and chronic illness. |
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Hgb A1C |
4.2-6.5 % |
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Hemoglobin A1C is an indicator of glucose control over the preceding two to three months. It is used to monitor diabetes treatment. High values indicate poor glucose control and may necessitate a change in habits and/or medication. |
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