What does a general and biochemical blood test show? Biochemical research. What glucose levels in the BAC transcript will be within normal limits?

The materials on the site “site” have repeatedly described the difference between various blood tests - a general biochemical blood test (BAC), an extended BAC, special types of BAC (coagulogram, lipid profile, human chorionic gonadotropin test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). We talked in detail about the difference between a clinical and biochemical blood test. However, the question from our reader, which sounds like this: “Blood test: “Biochemical general therapeutic standard” - what is it?”, showed that explanatory work is important - it helps people understand clinical terminology and, accordingly, understand what exactly the procedure is for them. awaits.

Features of the use of some medical terms in clinical practice

Any science has its own special language, consisting of special terms and words that have a special meaning within the content of this science. For example, the term “niche” in architecture and ecology will have different meanings: in architecture, a “niche” is a recess in the plane of the wall, intended for decorative elements (statues, vases, fountains), and in ecology, a “niche” is the habitat of a biological species .

Medicine is a developed science with many branches, schools and directions. Modern medicine is closely connected with such sciences as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, cybernetics, psychology. Its terminological apparatus is very voluminous, which creates difficulties for understanding even among specialists.

In the 90s of the twentieth century, the Soviet superpower ceased to exist, which created a powerful medical school with its own traditions and achievements. Over the next 25 years, integration took place between Western and post-Soviet medical schools. In the medicine of the former allied and now independent states, new, borrowed concepts and terms arose. The enrichment of knowledge between different medical schools has led to rapid development of technology, however, difficulties with the use of medical terminology could not be avoided. Let's try to explain the features of the use of some stable terms and their combinations in modern clinical practice.

General therapeutic

In classical medicine, the term “general therapeutic” refers to a set of measures that allows the doctor to clearly outline the ways of conducting the necessary studies of a person’s health condition and the therapeutic strategy for its treatment. So, in particular, a general therapeutic examination of the patient, which begins with a visual examination, involves:

  • temperature measurement;
  • heart rate measurement;
  • listening to noises in the lungs;
  • knee reflex test;
  • checking the vestibular system;
  • vision and hearing tests;
  • palpation of the abdominal cavity;
  • examination of the skin;
  • examination of the tongue, teeth, mouth and throat;
  • examination of the groin area;
  • nail inspection.

Attention! The term “general therapeutic blood test” can mean both a clinical blood test and a biochemical test – a set of research measures that allows one to identify hidden pathology.

Standard

This term is usually used to denote a certain fixed value approved by the official structure. The term “standard” is synonymous with the words “normal, average, typical, template.”
In Soviet medicine, there were many standards regarding the manufacture, dosage and certification of drugs, rules for receiving and serving patients, processing of medical documentation, general maintenance of medical institutions, etc. Medical standards were developed and approved by the USSR Ministry of Health.

In modern reality, the term “standard” and “standard” have acquired a slightly different meaning. The standardization process is no longer associated with a single state founder and depends on a large number of specialized institutions, which can be any medical research center or medical commercial structure, medical institute or university, licensed to develop their own standards.

Attention! The state continues to be the regulator of standardization processes in the medical industry within the general legislative framework.

Biochemical general therapeutic standard

Returning to our reader’s question, let’s explain what a “biochemical general therapeutic standard” can mean.

First of all, this is the commercial name for a general biochemical blood test, suggesting the standards of a particular medical institution.

What may be included in a blood test: “Biochemical general therapeutic standard”?

In state clinical practice, where some standards of the Soviet period are still strong, a general LHC is an analysis in which there are general indicators and no (or few) expanded ones. For example, proteins are represented only by the “total protein” parameter; values ​​such as “hemoglobin”, “albumin”, “globulins” (α and β) can also be added to them; carbohydrates – “glucose”; enzymes - “alanine aminotransferase” (ALT), “aspartate aminotransferase” (AST) plus “α-amylase”, “creatine kinase” (CK), “gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase” (GGTP), “alkaline phosphatase”; lipids – “triglycerides” plus “total cholesterol”; wastes – “creatinine”, “urea”; pigments – “total bilirubin” plus “indirect bilirubin”.

Attention! Microelements, electrolytes, vitamins, as a rule, are absent in the general LHC. Sometimes they are represented by two or three values, for example, “sodium”, “potassium”.

In the extended LHC, the values ​​of general parameters include additional values: proteins - “α 1, α 2, α 3, β 1, β 2, β 3, γ 1, γ 2 -globulins” plus “myoglobin”, “transferrin”, “ ferritin", "ceruloplasmin", "c-reactive protein", "rheumatoid factor"; carbohydrates – “fructosamine” plus “glycated hemoglobin”; slags are the same as in the general tank; pigments – “indirect bilirubin” plus “direct bilirubin”; lipids – “total cholesterol” plus “lipoproteins” (VLDL, HDL, HDL); enzymes - “lactate dehydrogenase” (LDH-1, LDH-2, LDH-3, LDH-4, LDH-5), “lipase”, “acid phosphatase”, “cholinesterase”; all trace elements and vitamins.

In government institutions, a biochemical blood test, called the “biochemical general therapeutic standard” in some private medical institutions, has its own characteristics:

  • the number of parameters varies from 5 to 10;
  • the number of parameters is the same, but there is a difference in values.

Thus, we cannot give a clear answer to our reader’s question. But we can tell you about the parameters of the most complete version of this type of LHC, found on the website of a large private clinic.

Norms of parameters of the BAC "Biochemical general therapeutic standard"

BAC indicator “Biochemical general therapeutic standard” Standards for adults
Total protein 63-87 g/l
Glucose 3.5-6.2 mmol/l
ALT up to 38 U/l
AST up to 42 U/l
Creatine kinase up to 180U/l
Alkaline phosphatase up to 260 U/l
Urea 2.5-8.3 mmol/l
Creatinine men – 62-144 µmol/l
women – 44-97 µmol/l
Bilirubin 8.48-20.58 µmol/l
Cholesterol 3.3-5.8 mmol/l

BAC parameters: “Biochemical general therapeutic standard”

Let's decipher what is included in the LHC and what exactly each parameter of this analysis means:

Total protein is the sum of all the protein in the body. Elevated protein in the blood can mean an internal inflammatory process in the body, liver disease, diseases of the genitourinary system, burn disease, excessive amounts of protein in the diet, cancer. Low protein is the result of a poorly balanced diet.

  • Glucose is the main source of energy in the human body. A high glucose level may indicate the development of diabetes, a low level may indicate an overdose of insulin or hyperfunction of the pancreas.
  • ALT is an enzyme called a liver marker, which can easily be used to track pathologies in the liver.
  • AST is an enzyme called a cardiac marker by doctors, which makes it possible to assess the health of the heart.
  • Creatine kinase is an enzyme that determines the condition of muscle tissue.
  • Alkaline phosphatase - the level of this enzyme in the blood will provide information about the health of the liver and biliary tract.
  • Urea - this parameter will tell you what condition the kidneys are in.
  • Creatinine is a parameter by which it is easy to assess the general condition of the body. In a healthy person, this parameter should be minimal.
  • Bilirubin is a pigment formed as a result of the breakdown of hemoglobin and is toxic to humans. The presence of this pigment above normal may indicate pathologies in the liver. It may also be elevated in a person who has been injured.
  • Cholesterol is an important indicator of lipid metabolism, a marker of cardiovascular diseases and liver pathologies.

Based on the results, their health status is determined. The most complete, allowing an accurate and accurate diagnosis is biochemical. The study is necessary to obtain a broad and objective understanding of the state of individual organs and the entire organism. Along with general analysis of urine and blood, biochemistry has been used for laboratory diagnostic purposes for many years. Finds practical application in all medical fields: therapy, gynecology, cardiology, oncology, urology, gastroenterology and others. Biochemistry is of particular value in diseases of the heart, endocrine system, kidneys and liver.

Features of the analysis

Blood is a separate tissue of the human body. Its unique feature is that it is found in all organs and other tissues. Blood contains substances formed during the functioning of the body. Biochemical analysis allows you to determine the presence and level of their content. Comparison of the obtained data and normal indicators makes it possible to draw conclusions about the functioning of organs and pathologies in them. Biochemical analysis is a laboratory study of a large number of enzymes, minerals and organic substances. Characterizes carbohydrate, protein, fat and mineral metabolism in the body. The existence of pathology in a particular organ is indicated by changes in metabolism.

The analysis is carried out when there is a suspicion of a latent current disease. According to its results, pathology is detected at a very early stage, which makes it possible to prescribe timely treatment and stop the process. The method, characterized by a high degree of information content and reliability, is the basis for medical diagnosis and allows one to judge the condition of vital organs. It is recommended to carry out at least once a year. For certain diseases, biochemistry is the only possibility for objective diagnosis. In addition to standard biochemical analysis, research is carried out on specific indicators used in genetics, endocrinology, pediatrics, and sports medicine.

Indicator values

Blood in the amount of 5-10 milliliters is taken from a vein, then placed in a test tube. Before taking the test, for a more accurate result, you should not eat or take medications unless this poses a health risk.

The results are interpreted according to the following indicators:

  • Sugar and glucose levels - their increase is a sign of the development of diabetes, a sharp decrease is life-threatening;
  • Cholesterol - its increase indicates vascular atherosclerosis and the risk of heart and vascular diseases;
  • Transaminases are enzymes that can detect myocardial infarction, hepatitis or the presence of injury;
  • Bilirubin - its high level indicates liver pathology, impaired bile outflow and destruction of red blood cells;
  • Creatine and urea - their excess amounts indicate a weakened function of the liver and kidneys;
  • Total protein - a change in this indicator indicates negative processes in the body or serious illnesses;
  • Amylase is a pancreatic enzyme, an increased level of which is a sign of pancreatitis.

During the analysis, more than 20 elements are examined. In addition to the above, biochemical analysis reveals the content of iron, potassium, chlorine, phosphorus, etc. in the blood.

Indications for prescribing a biochemical blood test

Typically, biochemistry is prescribed to patients undergoing outpatient or inpatient treatment. The study is prescribed for diagnosis or to monitor treatment. Determination of certain indicators is prescribed individually, depending on the disease. Indicators that have priority for diagnosis are selected from the general list.

Most often, biochemistry is prescribed for pathology:

  • hepatobiliary system;
  • endocrine system;
  • kidney;
  • hearts;
  • blood systems;
  • musculoskeletal system;
  • gastrointestinal tract.

The analysis is deciphered by the attending physician, who prescribes treatment.

How to donate blood for biochemistry

The day before blood sampling, you must avoid fatty, spicy and fried foods, strong coffee, tea, dark chocolate, and alcoholic beverages, including beer. Certain substances in food may temporarily affect results. For example, coffee drunk the day before increases the level of leukocytes, and alcoholic drinks increase the level of uric acid. Based on distorted data, a doctor can give an unfounded conclusion about the patient’s health status.

Donate blood on an empty stomach, you can drink a glass of water. Stop smoking within two hours before donating blood. Before taking the test, you should not take pills, massage, warm up or x-ray. During the procedure, so that cholesterol, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, etc. levels do not increase, you need to sit or lie down. Physical activity is also contraindicated. Blood is taken from the cubital vein, if they are poorly visible, from the hand or foot.

A blood test is a laboratory diagnosis of a blood sample that establishes the quantitative and qualitative composition of blood. It is these characteristics that help identify a certain type of disease.

It is difficult to say how long a blood test takes, because in modern medicine there are various types of blood diagnostics. In this regard, it is necessary to consider each method separately and pay attention to the fact that the laboratory sets its own deadlines for conducting the study and issuing results.

General blood analysis

A general blood test includes determining the amount of hemoglobin, red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets, as well as calculating the leukocyte formula and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. This research method is used to determine hematological, infectious and inflammatory diseases, as well as to assess the patient’s condition. In addition, a general blood test helps determine the effectiveness of the ongoing treatment. Typically, a blood sample for testing is taken from a finger. No special preparation is required for diagnosis. But it should be noted that blood sampling should be carried out on an empty stomach. And the result will be ready in one and a half to two hours.

Determination of blood group is the establishment of membership in one or another blood group according to the AB0 system (a, b, zero). This study is used before the blood transfusion process and during pregnancy. And also for establishing hematological disease in newborns and during preparation for operations. Blood is donated from a vein, always on an empty stomach. Results can be obtained within an hour or two.

Rapid test for hepatitis

A quick and high-quality test at home to detect antibodies to the hepatitis virus. Blood from a finger is used, the test result is ready in fifteen minutes.

Rapid test for syphilis

Diagnosis at home, but this study reveals Treponema pallidum bacteria. They talk about the presence of infection (syphilis) in a person. Blood is also taken from a finger, and the result is ready in 10-15 minutes.

Rapid test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Diagnosis of blood for the presence of HIV infection. Results at home are ready in a few minutes (5-10 minutes). Blood is taken from a finger.

It should be noted that rapid testing can be used not only at home. Medical laboratories also use them, and in terms of time (how long blood tests are done using such systems) they are no different from doing them at home. In addition, there are a huge number of types of rapid testing (blood tests at home), for example, to detect rubella, cancer embryonic antigen, and cancer markers. Therefore, you can find out how many blood tests are done using the express system only in the instructions.

Blood test for sugar

A blood sugar test is a determination of the level of glucose in the blood. A blood sample is also taken from a finger prick and on an empty stomach. This research method is used to diagnose diabetes mellitus. But for patients over forty years of age, it is performed regularly and does not depend on the presence of the disease. The results of a blood sugar test are ready within 24 hours.

Blood test for human immunodeficiency virus

A blood test for the human immunodeficiency virus in the laboratory can detect antibodies to this type of infection. It is performed on a blood sample from a vein, and the result takes two to ten days to prepare.

Test for syphilis

When testing a blood for syphilis (laboratory test), the answers are ready in four to seven days, and when testing a blood for hepatitis, serological and enzyme immunoassay, it takes seven to fourteen days. A study of the hemostasis system shows results within two days. But how much blood testing is done for hormonal studies should be reported by the attending physician. Because the amount of hormones changes in different phases of the life cycle, and blood for diagnosis should be taken only according to an established individual schedule. But on average, hormonal diagnostics provide results within 2-30 days.

Blood test for tumor markers

It is impossible to determine with accuracy how many blood tests are done for tumor markers. This depends on the type of cancer. Each type of cancer produces its own antigen (oncological marker), for example AFP (alpha fetoprotein), hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), PSA (prostate-specific antigen), CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), CA-125 (ovarian cancer marker), CA 15-3 (breast tumor marker), CA 19-9 (mucin-sialo-glycolipid, pancreatic tumor marker). Therefore, it is impossible to determine how many days a blood test for tumor markers is done. It may be noted that in most cases, tests are ready in one to five days.

Biochemical blood test

A special place among the diagnostics carried out is occupied by a biochemical blood test, and how long such a study takes is also difficult to determine. Blood is taken from a vein; the detected biochemical indicators make it possible to diagnose almost all ongoing processes in the human body. There are no special rules for preparing for a biochemical blood test. And how many days such a study is carried out depends only on the list of biochemical components being determined.

A biochemical blood test is a study that is carried out in laboratory conditions and is used in medicine to identify information about the functional state of the body as a whole, and individual organs. Its results help to accurately determine malfunctions in the body.

Correct interpretation of biochemical blood test indicators in adults allows for an accurate diagnosis of the condition of internal organs.

A biochemical blood test includes the determination of a number of indicators that reliably reflect the state of metabolic processes such as mineral, carbohydrate, lipid, and protein.

How to decipher a biochemical blood test in adults?

Decoding a biochemical blood test is a comparison of the results obtained with normal values. The analysis form contains a complete list of indicators determined by the biochemical laboratory and their reference values.

Biochemical analysis prescribed for diagnosis:

  1. Pathologies of the gynecological system.
  2. Diseases of the circulatory system (leukemia).
  3. Kidney, liver failure (hereditary pathologies).
  4. Disturbances in the functioning of the heart muscle (heart attack, stroke).
  5. Diseases in the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, arthrosis, osteoporosis).
  6. Diseases of the thyroid gland (diabetes mellitus).
  7. Deviations in the functioning of the stomach, intestines, pancreas.

Sometimes it is enough to establish a final diagnosis based on deviations from the norm in one or more parameters, but more often, for a full diagnosis, other results of additional research methods and an assessment of the clinical picture of the disease are required.

Preparing for analysis

The reliability of the blood test may well be affected by its preparation and implementation. Therefore, it is worth noting the main points of preparation in order to receive normal research results without false deviations.

  1. Eliminate from diet heavy food (fried, fatty and spicy foods) at least 24 hours before blood sampling - it is best to stick to a balanced diet several days before the test.
  2. Reduce to minimum consumption of coffee, strong tea, psychostimulants - 12 hours before donating blood, you should not take substances that affect the central nervous system (caffeine, alcohol).
  3. Provide comfortable conditions for emotional state, avoid stress and physical activity.
  4. On the day of blood collection You should not eat before the procedure.

According to the analysis, the doctor compares the results from the laboratory with generally accepted ones and determines the presence of a possible disease.

Biochemical blood test: normal indicators

For convenience, the norms of biochemical blood test indicators in adults are shown in the table:

Analysis: Men: Women:
Total protein 64-84 g/l. 64-84 g/l.
Hemoglobin 130-160 g/l 120-150 g/l.
Haptoglobin 150-2000 mg/l 150-2000 mg/l
Glucose 3.30-5.50 mmol/l. 3.30-5.50 mmol/l.
Urea 2.5-8.3 mmol/l. 2.5-8.3 mmol/l.
Creatinine 62-115 µmol/l 53-97 µmol/l.
Cholesterol 3.5-6.5 mmol/l. 3.5-6.5 mmol/l.
Bilirubin 5-20 µmol/l. 5-20 µmol/l.
AlAT (ALT) up to 45 units/l. up to 31 units/l.
ASAT (AST) up to 45 units/l. up to 31 units/l.
Lipase 0-190 units/l. 0-190 units/l.
Alpha amylase 28-100 units/l. 28-100 units/l.
Pancreatic amylase 0-50 units/l. 0-50 units/l.

Each of the criteria indicated in the table reflects the condition of one or more human organs, and the combination of some of them allows in some cases to make an accurate diagnosis or direct the diagnostic process in the right direction.

Below we will look at what each of these tests shows using the example of deciphering a biochemical blood test in adults.

Total protein

Total protein is the total concentration of proteins found in the blood. Proteins take part in all biochemical reactions of the body - they transport various substances, act as catalysts for reactions, and participate in immune defense.

Normal levels of protein in the blood are 64-84 g/l. If the protein is higher than this, the body may be susceptible to infection. In addition, the cause of increased protein may be, or the onset of cancer. With a low protein content in the blood, the likelihood of liver disease increases many times, as well as problems with the intestines and kidneys. The most difficult diagnosis for low protein is cancer.

Albumen

This protein is produced by the liver and is considered the main protein in the blood plasma. In general, experts distinguish albumins as a separate protein group, called protein fractions.

An increase in the concentration of albumin in the blood (hyperalbuminemia) may be associated with the following pathologies:

  • dehydration, or dehydration (loss of fluid from the body through vomiting, diarrhea, profuse sweating);
  • extensive burns.

A reduced albumin level is observed in smoking patients and in women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In other people, a decrease in albumin may indicate various liver pathologies (for example, oncology), or intestinal inflammation of an infectious nature (). In addition, in case of cancer, burns or fever, various injuries or drug overdose, albumin in the blood will be lower than normal.

Glucose (sugar)

The most common indicator of carbohydrate metabolism is blood sugar. Its short-term increase occurs during emotional arousal, stress reactions, pain attacks, and after eating. The norm is 3.5-5.5 mmol/l (glucose tolerance test, sugar load test).

  • Increased sugar - endocrine disorders, pancreatic tumor, cerebral hemorrhage, chronic liver and kidney damage, cystic fibrosis.
  • Sugar is low - damage to the liver and pancreas, cancer of the stomach or adrenal glands, poisoning with arsenic or certain medications, alcohol intoxication.

Uric acid

The main breakdown product of the main component of nucleic acids - purine bases. Since it is not used further in metabolic processes, it is excreted unchanged by the kidneys. The normal level in blood plasma is 0.16-0.44 mmol/l.

  • renal failure;
  • leukemia, lymphoma;
  • prolonged fasting;
  • alcohol abuse;
  • overdose of salicylates and diuretics.

A decrease in the level of uric acid in the blood can be observed during treatment with piperazine drugs, allopurinol, prebenecid, ACTH, and sometimes with hepatitis.

Urea

It is a consequence of the breakdown of proteins. The permissible amount of this substance in a person’s blood changes with age. Often, the level of urea goes through the roof in patients who have pathologies in their kidneys: doctors prescribe a similar blood test to diagnose and predict the disease.

A decrease in the level of urea in the blood can be triggered by reasons that are physiological (pregnancy, fasting, excessive exercise), or pathological (celiac disease, cirrhosis of the liver, heavy metal poisoning).

Creatinine

This substance, like urea, is a product of protein metabolism and is also excreted by the kidneys. Creatinine is a product of metabolic processes occurring in skeletal muscles, and to a lesser extent in the brain. Accordingly, its level will depend on the condition of the kidneys and muscles.

Increased creatinine is observed in renal failure, severe injuries with muscle damage, increased thyroid function, and after the use of certain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents. Moderately high creatinine is found in athletes.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT, AlAt)

This indicator, along with AST, is used in medical practice for laboratory diagnosis of liver damage. Alanine aminotransferase is synthesized intracellularly, and normally only a small part of this enzyme enters the blood. When the liver is damaged (hepatitis, cirrhosis) as a result of cytolysis (cell destruction), this enzyme enters the blood, which is detected by laboratory methods.

The level of this transaminase may also increase during myocardial infarction and other conditions. An increase in ALT that exceeds an increase in AST is characteristic of liver damage; if the AST indicator increases more than the ALT increases, then this, as a rule, indicates problems with myocardial (heart muscle) cells.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST, AST)

A cellular enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism. AST is found in the tissues of the heart, liver, kidneys, nervous tissue, skeletal muscles and other organs. An AST blood test may show an increase in AST in the blood if the body has a disease such as:

  • viral, toxic, alcoholic hepatitis;
  • spicy ;
  • liver cancer;
  • acute rheumatic carditis;

AST is elevated in skeletal muscle injuries, burns, heat stroke, and as a result of cardiac surgery.

Alkaline phosphatase

Many laboratories automatically include this enzyme in their biochemical analysis. From a practical point of view, only an increase in the activity of this enzyme in the blood may be of interest.

This is evidence of either intrahepatic stagnation of bile in the small bile ducts, which occurs with mechanical and parenchymal jaundice, or progressive osteoporosis or destruction of bone tissue (myeloma, aging of the body).

Cholesterol

A component of fat metabolism, it is involved in the construction of cell membranes, the synthesis of sex hormones and vitamin D. There is total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Degrees of increased cholesterol in the blood:

  • 5.2-6.5 mmol/l – mild degree of increase in the substance, a risk zone for atherosclerosis;
  • 6.5-8.0 mmol/l – a moderate increase, which is corrected by diet;
  • over 8.0 mmol/l – a high level requiring drug intervention.

Amylase

Breaks down carbohydrates from food and ensures their digestion. Contained in the salivary glands and pancreas. There is alpha-amylysis (diastase) and pancreatic amylase.

  • alpha-amylase rate: 28-100 units/l.
  • pancreatic amylase rate: 0-50 units/l.

Decreased alpha-amylase: thyrotoxicosis; myocardial infarction; complete necrosis of the pancreas; toxicosis of pregnant women.

Potassium

Another important intracellular electrolyte. Its normal content in the body ranges from 3.5 to 5.5 mmol per liter.

  • excess hormones of the adrenal cortex (including taking dosage forms of cortisone);
  • chronic fasting (failure to receive potassium from food);
  • prolonged vomiting, diarrhea (loss with intestinal juice);
  • renal dysfunction;
  • cystic fibrosis.
  • dehydration;
  • acute renal failure (impaired renal excretion); ,
  • adrenal insufficiency.
  • cell damage (hemolysis - destruction of blood cells, severe starvation, convulsions, severe injuries).

The condition when potassium is elevated is called hyperkalemia, and when it is low, hypokalemia.

Sodium

Sodium does not directly participate in metabolism. It is completely abundant in the extracellular fluid. Its main function is to maintain osmotic pressure and pH. Sodium excretion occurs in the urine and is controlled by the adrenal hormone aldosterone.

  • decreased concentration due to increased fluid volume (diabetes mellitus, chronic heart disease)
  • failure, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, edema).
  • loss of an element (abuse of diuretics, kidney pathology, adrenal insufficiency).
  • increased function of the adrenal cortex;
  • excess salt intake;
  • loss of extracellular fluid (profuse sweat, severe vomiting and diarrhea, increased urination in diabetes insipidus);
  • violation of the central regulation of water-salt metabolism (pathology of the hypothalamus, coma).

An increase in a microelement is called hypernatremia, and a decrease is called hyponatremia.

Bottom line

Different laboratories can conduct a biochemical blood test in accordance with excellent methodological manuals and use other units for measuring the concentrations of elements.

Therefore, the norms of indicators can vary significantly. When the laboratory technician gives you test results, be sure to make sure that the standards are written on the form. This is the only way you can understand whether there are changes in your analyzes or not.

In recent decades, almost no diagnosis can be made without the results of blood tests. We can say that a blood test is a mirror of the state of our body. Very often, doctors prescribe a general blood test. Biochemical analysis is more detailed compared to general analysis.

It may be useful and interesting for the reader to know when and why a biochemical blood test is done, which is what will be discussed in this article.

Why is biochemical analysis needed?

Biochemical blood analysis covers the study of a wide range of enzymes, minerals and organic substances. Based on the results of a biochemical blood test, one can draw conclusions about the metabolism in the human body - protein, carbohydrate, fat, mineral. Detection of changes can show whether there is pathology and of which organ. During this laboratory test, diseases of internal organs and body systems can be detected.

When is a biochemical blood test done?

Biochemical analysis gives a picture of all metabolic processes in the body. This analysis is done if there is a suspicion of a hidden disease. Biochemical analysis reveals pathology at an early stage in order to navigate the choice of therapeutic agents. For example, a blood sugar test is very important in our time, since diabetes mellitus is now considered the disease of the century. And, say, leukemia can be detected using tests at an early stage, when there are no clinical symptoms yet. This allows you to choose the desired therapeutic direction and stop the pathological process.

Biochemical analysis is carried out by sampling. Approximately 5-10 ml of blood is taken from the patient’s vein and placed in a special sterile tube. For complete reliability, the analysis should be carried out early in the morning on an empty stomach. The patient should also not smoke or drink alcohol. You should not take medications unless, of course, there is a health risk.

Biochemical analysis indicators

Consider the most commonly used and informative indicators.
The level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood is an indicator of the development of diabetes mellitus.
AST, APT (transaminases) - detect myocardial infarction, hepatitis, trauma.
- elevated cholesterol levels indicate the presence of vascular atherosclerosis.
Total protein - indicates severe pathology.
Amylase is a pancreatic enzyme and an indicator of pancreatitis.

and creatinine- an increase in indicators indicates a weakening of the excretory function of the kidneys and liver.

In addition, the content of ionized calcium, iron, potassium, chlorine, and phosphorus is determined in the blood serum by biochemical analysis.