What does a biochemical blood test show? Norm and interpretation (table)

A blood test for biochemistry is the most frequently prescribed test in gynecology, urology, endocrinology, oncology, dermatology and surgery. If you correctly decipher the information received, you can quickly diagnose diseases and metabolic disorders, even in cases where they do not give clear symptoms. It’s not for nothing that doctors call a biochemical blood test “truth serum.”

The cost of a comprehensive biochemical analysis is 1,510 rubles. The analysis includes determination of ALT, AST, glucose, serum creatinine (with determination of GFR), urea, total protein, total bilirubin, total cholesterol. CONSULTATION WITH DOCTORS ON THE RESULTS OF ULTRASOUND AND ANALYSIS - 500 rubles. (optional)

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To ensure that the analysis results are truly useful, we recommend that you read this article before going to the laboratory.

What is the BAC?

The study of the quantitative indicator of each type of metabolism in the human body is the ultimate goal of a biochemical blood test.

Marking the results of such an analysis is necessary in a wide range of detection of various pathologies, including: damage to any of the internal organs, infectious diseases, toxic damage to the body, inflammatory processes, as well as oncology.

Blood for a biochemical blood test is taken strictly in the morning on an empty stomach. Subsequently, serum (plasma) is separated from the blood, since only this is required for the study.

Blood is taken only from a vein, over a period of several minutes.
The patient does not feel any discomfort. Given that the LHC can be taken in any laboratory, and you can try to decipher its indicators yourself, it is better to consult a qualified doctor to decipher the results.

It is the doctor who can analyze the results, make a diagnosis and assess the general condition of the body most accurately.

Medicines

How to properly prepare for a test when taking medications? When preparing for the examination, it is necessary to stop taking medications in advance. If this is impossible to do due to a threat to the patient’s health and life, then you should definitely consult with your doctor:

Diuretics and contraceptives may falsely increase calcium levels.
Ascorbic acid and paracetamol increase glucose concentrations.
Vitamin A and some hepatoprotectors affect the level of ESR.
Aspirin and antibiotics lower hemoglobin concentrations.

A few days before the blood test for haptoglobin, it is necessary, in agreement with the doctor and under his continuous supervision, to stop taking estrogens and androgens, contraceptives and methyldopa, since it takes a long period of time to completely remove their components from the body.

If you take contraceptives every day and your menstrual cycle depends on their use, you need to inform your doctor about this, perhaps taking this fact into account, he will specifically prescribe a test during menstruation in order to exclude possible deviations in the study due to taking pills.

Now knowing how to prepare for a biochemical examination, you will receive the most reliable results, on the basis of which the doctor will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.

How to pass the LHC test correctly?

In biochemistry, as in the situation with other studies, a biochemical blood test requires compliance with the requirements for completing the preparation procedures for the study.

There are no serious preparations, the actions are standard:

Exclusively on an empty stomach. Blood is taken only in the morning, and only on an “empty” stomach,
Diet restriction. The dinner preceding the day of biochemical analysis may not contain fatty foods, alcoholic beverages, and strongly brewed tea or coffee,
No stress. During the day you need to refrain from physical activity in excess of the norm, and any thermal stress (sauna, steam bath, hot bath, too hot shower),
First of all, analysis. Droppers, injections, x-rays and other examinations should be postponed until after the biochemical analysis in order to obtain accurate results,
Arrive early. Come to the laboratory premises 10-20 minutes in advance, so that you have time to sit down, bring your breathing back to normal and calm your nerves - this will give more accurate indicators,
No morning procedures. In order to accurately determine blood sugar, a person who donates blood for a biochemical blood test should refuse morning meals and coffee or tea, and should not brush their teeth. Better do it all when you get home,
Limit medications. Immediately 14 days before biochemistry, you need to stop taking medications that reduce the concentration of lipids in the body,
One laboratory. If there is a need to take a biochemical analysis again, it should be carried out in the same laboratory as the first time, and, importantly, at the same time.

The composition of indicators in a biochemical blood test can be adjusted by your doctor based on the patient’s suspicions of certain diseases.

Preparing for a biochemical blood test in adults

Blood for biochemical analysis must be donated in the morning on an empty stomach, 8–12 hours must pass after the last meal. If there is a need to take medications, this should be done after the blood is drawn. On the eve of the study, exclude fatty, fried foods, alcoholic drinks from the diet, and limit physical activity. You should not smoke before the examination; it is not recommended to donate blood immediately after an X-ray examination or physiotherapeutic procedures. The patient should be in a state of complete rest for half an hour before the test.

Proper preparation for a biochemical test will reduce the risk of receiving falsely high or low test results.

How to decrypt BAK?

Having the results of a conventional blood test (clinical) in hand, the doctor cannot always accurately diagnose the pathology, since the clinical analysis does not carry such a comprehensive range of indicators that make up the blood, and can send it for further biochemistry examination.
If there is a result of a biochemical blood test, a qualified doctor will easily notice if any of the indicators is outside the normal state, detect which organ is affected, and prescribe the correct therapy.

To find out whether the levels of the results of your biochemical analysis are within normal limits, there is an option using a table for adults with a breakdown of the results given below (Table 1):

Table 1 Explanation of biochemical analysis in adults table.

Index

Normal for men

Normal for women

Total protein (g/l)	64 – 83	58 – 76
Albumin (g/l)	35 – 50
Myoglobin (µg/l)	19 – 92	12 – 76
Transferrin (g/l)	2,0 – 4,0
Ferritin (µg/l)	20 – 250	10 – 120
THC (µmol/l)	26,85 – 41,2
SRP (mg/l)	up to 0.5
Rheumatoid factor (U/ml)	to 10
Ceruloplasmin (mg/l)	150,0 – 600,0
Total cholesterol (mmol/l)	up to 5.2
Triglycerides (mmol/l)	0,55 – 1,65
Urea (mmol/l)	2,5 – 8,3
Creatinine (µmol/l)	62 – 115	53 – 97
Uric acid (mmol/l)	0,24 – 0,50	0,16- 0,44
Total bilirubin (µmol/l)	3,4 – 17,1
conjugated	25% total
not conjugated	75% total
Glucose (mol/l)	3,89 – 5,83
Fructosamine (mmol/l)	up to 280.0
AST (Unit/l)	up to 35	up to 31
ALT (U/l)	up to 41	up to 31
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), (U/l)	20 – 130
Alpha amylase (U/l)	up to 120
Lipase (U/l)	0 — 417
KK, KFK, (Unit/l)	up to 195
MV-fraction CC (Units/l)	less than 10 U/l
LDH (U/l)	120- 240
GGTP, (Unit/l)	11 – 50	7 – 32
Sodium (mmol/l)	134 – 150
Potassium (mmol/l)	3,6– 5,4
Chlorides (mmol/l)	95,0 – 110,0
Phosphorus (mmol/l)	0,65 – 1,3
Magnesium (mmol/l)	0,65 – 1,1
Iron (mmol/l)	11,64 – 30,43	8,95 – 30,43
Calcium (mmol/l)	2,0 – 2,8
Zinc (mmol/l)	11-18

The table shows that Women provides a wide range of results from many indicators in the human body to assess the condition of internal organs and the body itself in general.

At the same time, correct decoding will allow you to understand what hormones the body lacks, what enzymes are deficient in the blood, what vitamins the body needs, and what micro- and macroelements should be added. And also to determine in advance the damage to metabolic processes.

With the correct “reading” of the results, a qualified doctor will determine the diagnosis much faster than with a clinical blood test and prescribe the necessary measures for possible treatment.

During pregnancy, it is especially important to take a biochemical blood test, since a general blood test will not give a complete overview of the state of the human body.
During pregnancy, biochemical analysis is important, since the indicators of a healthy mother’s body give rise to the normal development of the fetus and the absence of pathologies at birth.

At the time when the mother is carrying a child, her body is not stable, and the indicators may be higher than normal, but are typical for this period.

Typically, biochemistry is prescribed in the first months of pregnancy, and a second time after the 6th month of pregnancy.

Modern technologies make it possible to conduct a LHC with decryption in just a few hours. The indicators in the table depend on the age being studied and on gender. So, for a high-quality transcript, it is better to go to the hospital.

An early diagnosis shortens treatment time, reduces money spent on therapy, and protects against the aggravating consequences of more severe forms of disease.

Preparation rules for certain indicators

Some indicators determined within the framework of biochemistry require specific preparation. The general recommendations are not canceled and must be followed, but additional rules will be added. How to properly prepare for the study, based on what indicator is being studied, we will consider below:

Urea. Blood must be donated on an empty stomach, and you can drink water. Even minor physical exertion is prohibited. For several days it is necessary to follow a diet excluding meat and fish dishes, tea and drinks containing coffee.
Cholesterol, lipoproteins. The preparation algorithm is similar to other indicators, that is, blood is donated on an empty stomach in the morning. It is recommended to avoid taking medications that lower lipid concentrations 14 days before the test.
Glucose. To prepare for the study, it is not enough to simply donate blood on an empty stomach. Do not brush your teeth or chew gum. Diuretics and some other medications can also distort the results, so you should notify your doctor about therapy.
GTG (glucose tolerance test). The preparation algorithm is that the patient does not need to follow a diet. You need to eat as usual. Blood is taken in the morning on an empty stomach, after fasting for 10-12 hours. Before taking the test, you should avoid taking medications. The analysis technique involves intravenous or oral administration of glucose. During the procedure, the patient should not walk, smoke, or be nervous.
Haptoglobin. Before the analysis, it is mandatory to consult a doctor about discontinuing medications. Blood is also donated on an empty stomach, and you can drink water.
Fibrotest. The preparation algorithm consists of discontinuing medications and foods that color the blood serum (carrots, tangerines). You can drink clean water without dyes. Blood is donated on an empty stomach.

The study of some indicators of biochemical analysis requires compliance with additional rules. The preparation is simple and can be done at any age. The technique for collecting blood is the same in all laboratories, regardless of the indicator being studied. The test can be done either in a paid clinic or in a clinic at the place of attachment, having first taken a referral from a doctor.

Blood biochemistry allows you to assess the correct functioning of all organs and systems of the body. In order to prevent diseases, it is recommended to undergo a test once a year, even if there are no symptoms of pathology. Preparation for a biochemical blood test is mandatory, since its absence can seriously distort the results of the study and mislead the doctor. In this case, the treatment technique and further examination may be chosen incorrectly. Proper preparation for the analysis will significantly save time spent on making the correct diagnosis.

What LHC indicators are used as a basis?

In case of deviations from the clinical blood test, a conclusion is made about the disease, but is not specified, sending it additionally for a biochemical blood test.

LHC, which differs from the general analysis, indicates a specific organ affected by the disease and is at a very early stage (without obvious symptoms and external signs. Also, biochemical analysis reveals which vitamins and other useful substances are insufficient in the human body.

The analysis consists of tests of different components, divided into specific groups.

Removal of bilirubin from the body

Squirrels

What does a biochemical analysis of blood from a vein show in the “Total Protein” column? The total concentration of all proteins in the blood serum. If this indicator is too high, then perhaps there is some kind of infection in the body. An overestimation also indicates rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism or dehydration (with diarrhea or vomiting). If the protein is low, then this may be due to diseases of the pancreas, kidneys, liver, intestines, as well as tumor processes and bleeding.

Interesting fact. The blood of a healthy person is constantly renewed. Five billion white blood cells, a billion red blood cells and two billion platelets die every hour. They are replaced by new cells produced by the bone marrow. Every day 25 g of blood is renewed.

Qualitative and quantitative enzyme levels

Liver samples of AST and ALT consist of a biochemical blood test, and deviate from normal values in the case of thickening or thinning of the blood, which is not a separate disease, but only indicates the pathology of a particular organ. AST and ALT are located mainly in the heart and liver, respectively.

Therefore, their deviation from the norm may indicate the destruction of cells in these organs and the presence of diseases such as: malignant tumors, cell death (cirrhosis of the liver, myocardial infarction), blood clots, liver disorders, disruptions in the cardiovascular system and many other serious diseases. Their increased level also shows the scale of the disease.

The purpose of enzymes in the human body is to assist in metabolic processes, that is, to move useful substances throughout the body and remove decay products that appear during metabolism.

For enzymes, there are certain normal levels in the blood (Table 2):

Table 2

Enzyme

Normal indicator

ALT (μmol/h*ml)	0,1-0,68
AST (μmol/h*ml)	0,1-0,45
Alpha amylase (mg/(h*ml))	12-32
Alkaline phosphatase	There are a large number of normal indicators, and they depend on the method of determining the enzyme. In this case, the norm is indicated by the laboratory.

Let's consider each indicator separately:

ALT (AlAT) The abbreviation stands for alanine aminotransferase and is an integral enzyme in the blood. If ALT levels are high, this indicates the destruction of liver cells. Such processes occur in diseases of hepatitis, death of liver cells, and various pathologies of liver tissue. Based on the increase, one can draw conclusions about the size of the affected tissues,
AST (AST) Its full name sounds like aspartate aminotransferase. It is predominantly located in the heart, and in smaller quantities in the liver. In the case when only AST increases, this indicates myocardial infarction; if this enzyme increases in conjunction with ALT, this indicates liver damage or hepatic cytolysis,
Alpha amylase This enzyme activity indicator belongs to the pancreas. Deviations in one direction or another from the norm indicate a violation of the body’s processes. If the bar is raised, this indicates inflammatory processes, destruction of pancreatic tissue, pathologies due to bile duct stones, pancreatitis, or gland tumors. A decrease in indicators occurs after extensive pancreatic necrosis, and surgical interventions to remove some part or the entire gland,
Alkaline phosphatase This indicator of a biochemical blood test is included in most laboratories on an ongoing basis as part of the study. Deviations from the norm are alarming, only to a greater extent. An increase may indicate stagnation of bile in the ducts - this is a common factor in jaundice, destruction of bone tissue, or rapidly developing osteoporosis, hepatitis, osteogenic sarcoma and other lesions.

In turn, there are three levels of increase in ALT and AST in the human body (Table 3):

Table 3

Increased enzyme levels

Diseases are typical when there is an increase

Minimum – magnification from 1.5 to 5 times	Destruction of skeletal muscles
Medium – increase from 6 to 10 times	Liver tissue damage
Maximum – growth of indicators more than 10 times	Viral type hepatitis (ALT increase)
Heart attack (AST growth)
Liver cirrhosis (ALT increase)

KK (creatine kinase) This enzyme shows the process of energy metabolism taking place in muscle and nerve tissues. It includes three subtypes: MM (located in the muscles), MV (located in the heart) and BB (located in the brain). The destruction of cells of various organs leads to the growth of this enzyme. Certain diseases also increase its level (Table 4): Table 4 MMMWWW
Gangrene Heart attack Encephalitis
Myasthenia gravis Myocarditis Sclerosis provoked by depression
Long-term compartment syndrome Hypothyroidism Schizophrenia
Myositis

LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) An enzyme located directly inside cells and increases its performance during heart attack, hemolytic anemia, also megaloblastic anemia, and various types of hepatitis. A significant increase in the level of this enzyme is characteristic of malignant tumors and their metastasis process,
Acid phosphate In case of a blow to the prostate gland, or pathologies of the skeletal system of the gland, the activity indicator of this enzyme increases,
Lipase This enzyme helps break down incoming fats.
GGTP (Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) The level of growth of this indicator in a biochemical blood test simplifies the diagnosis of liver diseases that do not show obvious symptoms,
Cholinesterase A quantitative indicator of its presence in the blood shows the ability of the liver parenchyma to undergo synthetic processes. With an extensive impact on the liver tissue, the level of this enzyme drops significantly. An underestimation of its level also occurs with a heart attack, thromboembolism of a pulmonary artery, malignant tumors, inflammation of the kidneys and rheumatism. This indicator is more often checked by doctors in hospitals, since it decreases only in severe diseases,

Main indicators of biochemical blood analysis

A modified general blood test determines the presence of pathology, which will still have to be looked for. Biochemical analysis, in contrast to general clinical analysis, shows dysfunction of a certain organ as a result of pathological changes that have not yet been recognized by the person himself, that is, at the stage of the latent course of the disease. In addition, the LHC helps determine whether the body has enough vitamins, microelements and other essential substances. Thus, the main indicators of a biochemical blood test include a number of laboratory tests, which for ease of understanding should be divided into groups.

Squirrels

This group in the LHC is represented by both proteins, without which the life of the organism is impossible, and specific protein structures that arise due to certain (extreme) situations:

Total protein, a change in its level may indicate the development of pathological processes, including oncological ones, in some internal organs (liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract) and connective tissue, but we should not forget that a decrease in total protein content may result insufficient intake from food. Often, together with the total protein, protein fractions (α, β, γ) are also studied, because a decrease and increase in the content of various proteins, a violation of the ratio between them are companions of many pathological conditions.
Albumin, which makes it possible to detect pathology of parenchymal organs (liver, kidneys), diagnose rheumatism and neoplasms, and also identify the effect of hormonal drugs on the body or the consequences of starvation diets.
Myoglobin is used to detect pathological changes in the heart muscle and skeletal muscle. An increase in this indicator can also be caused by injuries, thermal injuries and frequent convulsions.
Transferrin is a protein that binds and transports iron, changes in the values of which may indicate a decrease in the functional abilities of the liver.
Ferritin is a protein that creates a reserve supply of iron in the body; its level is studied to diagnose anemia of various origins (iron deficiency or associated with other pathologies: infections, rheumatism, malignant neoplasms);
TBZH (total iron-binding capacity of serum), showing the state of proteins responsible for the exchange, binding and transport of ferrum in the body. The life-sustaining blood pressure changes in liver diseases, anemia, and tumor processes.
Ceruloplasmin is a protein that transports copper ions. An increase in CP activity is observed during myocardial infarction, inflammatory processes and malignant neoplasms of various localizations, but most of all this laboratory test is used to diagnose Konovalov-Wilson disease, a severe hepatocerebral pathology.
CRP (C-reactive protein) is a specific protein that appears in the blood serum of a sick person (penetration of infectious agents, inflammation, trauma, tuberculosis, septic, oncological processes, meningitis, myocardial infarction, complications after surgical interventions).
Rheumatoid factor is a group of specific immunoglobulins (autoantibodies) synthesized during the development of rheumatoid arthritis and other pathological conditions (systemic lupus erythematosus, septic endocarditis, tuberculosis, infectious mononucleosis, certain hematological diseases). In rheumatoid arthritis, an increase in the activity of antistreptolysin O (ASLO) is often observed; however, ASLO is to a greater extent a marker of sensitization to streptococcal infection with the development of rheumatism, which gives higher values of the indicator than RA.

Enzymes

Enzymes in a biochemical blood test are often represented by “liver tests” (AlT and AST) and amylase, which increases noticeably when problems with the pancreas occur. Meanwhile, the list of enzymes that can tell about the state of the body is much wider:

Alanine aminotransferase (AlT) is included in the above-mentioned “liver tests”, since it is primarily an indicator of the functional abilities of the liver, and then characterizes other organs.
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) - in addition to detecting liver diseases, is used in the diagnosis of cardiac pathology (myocardial infarction, rheumatic heart disease, angina attack) and some infectious processes.
α-amylase and pancreatic amylase - these indicators most often witness inflammatory processes in the pancreas, although amylase activity may increase in other cases: mumps, surgical interventions in the abdominal organs, renal failure, intake of large doses of alcohol, use of medications individual pharmaceutical groups (drugs, hormones, salicylates).
Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme that reflects the energy metabolism occurring in the cells of various tissues (nervous, muscle). Elevated values of the MB fraction of creatine kinase (an important laboratory test in cardiological practice) make it possible to diagnose myocardial infarction itself and determine its prognosis, thereby helping the doctor choose the most correct treatment tactics.
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an intracellular enzyme, an increase in activity of which is observed during myocardial infarction, certain types of anemia (hemolytic and megaloblastic), and hepatitis. A significant increase in the indicator is characteristic of malignant neoplasms and, especially, their metastasis.
Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) - determination of the activity of this enzyme provides considerable assistance in the diagnosis of inflammatory (acute and chronic) liver diseases that occur without pronounced clinical manifestations.
Lipase is an enzyme involved in the breakdown of neutral fats. An important role belongs to pancreatic lipase, which has acquired particular importance in gastroenterology, since its diagnostic capabilities (pancreatic diseases) are superior to such indicators as amylase.
Alkaline phosphatase - its use is appropriate for diseases of the skeletal system, liver and biliary tract.
Acid phosphatase - an increase in the activity of this enzyme is observed mainly with damage to the prostate gland.
Cholinesterase - the level of its activity reflects the synthetic ability of the liver parenchyma, however, it should be noted that the digital expression of this enzyme noticeably decreases with significant liver damage (severe disease). In addition, enzyme activity decreases in pulmonary embolism (PE), myocardial infarction, malignant neoplasms, myeloma, rheumatism, and inflammatory processes in the kidneys. It is unlikely that the listed conditions can be classified as mild, so it is clear why cholinesterase activity is primarily of interest to hospital doctors rather than clinics.

Lipid spectrum

Diagnosis of diseases of the cardiovascular system, as a rule, is not limited to just the appointment of total cholesterol; for a cardiologist, this indicator in isolated form does not carry any special information. In order to find out what condition the vascular walls are in (and they can be affected by atherosclerosis), whether there are signs of the development of coronary artery disease or, God forbid, myocardial infarction is clearly at risk, most often a biochemical test is used, called the lipid spectrum, which includes:

Total cholesterol;
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C);
High-density lipoproteins (HDL-C);
Triglycerides;
Atherogenicity coefficient, which is calculated by a formula based on the digital values of the indicators indicated above.

It seems that there is no particular need to once again describe the characteristics, clinical and biological significance of all components of the lipid spectrum; they are described in sufficient detail in the relevant topics posted on our website.

Carbohydrates

Probably the most common analysis among blood biochemistry indicators is the glucose (“sugar”) content. This test does not need additional comments, everyone knows that it is carried out strictly on an empty stomach, and it shows whether a person is at risk of diabetes. Although, it should be noted that there are other reasons for the increase in this indicator that are not related to the presence of a serious disease (injuries, burns, liver pathology, pancreatic diseases, excessive consumption of sweet foods).

Questions among young patients who are still ignorant of the “sugar” business can be caused by a glucose load test (sugar curve), which is prescribed mainly to identify hidden forms of diabetes.

Relatively new tests designed to determine the behavior of carbohydrates in the body include glycated proteins (or glycosylated - which is the same thing):

Glycated albumin (in the BAC it is designated as fructosamine);
Glycated hemoglobin;
Glycosylated lipoproteins.

Pigments

Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin in erythrocytes; its elevated levels are characteristic of a wide range of pathological conditions, therefore three types of hemoglobinogenic pigment are used for diagnosis:

Total bilirubin;
Direct or related, conjugated;
Indirect (free, unbound, unconjugated).

Diseases associated with an increase in this pigment can be of a very different origin and nature (from hereditary pathology to incompatible blood transfusions), so the diagnosis is largely based on the ratio of bilirubin fractions, and not on its general value. Most often, this laboratory test helps diagnose abnormalities caused by damage to the liver and biliary tract.

Low molecular weight nitrogenous substances

Low molecular weight nitrogenous substances in a biochemical blood test are represented by the following indicators:

Creatinine, which allows you to determine the condition of many organs and systems and tell about serious disorders of their function (severe damage to the liver and kidneys, tumors, diabetes mellitus, decreased adrenal function).
Urea, which is the main test indicating the development of renal failure (uremic syndrome, “urinary bleeding”). It would be appropriate to prescribe urea to determine the functional abilities of other organs: liver, heart, gastrointestinal tract.

Microelements, acids, vitamins

In a biochemical blood test, you can often find tests that determine the level of inorganic substances and organic compounds:

Calcium (Ca) is an intracellular cation, the main place of concentration of which is the skeletal system. The values of the indicator change in diseases of the bones, thyroid gland, liver and kidneys. Calcium serves as an important diagnostic test for identifying pathologies of the development of the skeletal system in children;
Sodium (Na) is one of the main extracellular cations, it transports water; a change in sodium concentration and its excess beyond acceptable values can lead to serious pathological conditions;
Potassium (K) - changes in its level towards a decrease can stop the heart in systole, and towards an increase - in diastole (both are bad);
Phosphorus (P) is a chemical element strongly associated in the body with calcium, or rather, with the metabolism of the latter;
Magnesium (Mg) – both deficiency (calcification of arterial vessels, decreased blood flow in the microcirculatory bed, development of arterial hypertension) and excess (magnesium anesthesia, heart block, coma) leads to disturbances in the body;
Iron (Fe) can go without comment; this element is a component of hemoglobin - hence its main role;
Chlorine (Cl) is the main extracellular osmotically active anion in plasma;
Zinc (Zn) – zinc deficiency retards growth and sexual development, enlarges the spleen and liver, and contributes to anemia;
Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12);
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
Folic acid;
Calcitriol (vitamin D) – deficiency inhibits bone formation and causes rickets in children;
Uric acid (a product of the metabolism of purine bases, which plays an important role in the formation of a disease such as gout).

What are the tests and normal levels of protein in the LHC?

Proteins play an integral part in maintaining the body's performance.
With their help, immunity is formed, new cells are restored and formed. The blood contains more than 150 different proteins, which differ from each other in structure and role played in the body.

There are 3 groups of proteins:

Albumins,
Globulins,
Fibrinogen,

Since the liver is primarily responsible for protein production, they reflect its functionality and its condition.

A drop in the total level of protein in the body is called hypoproteinemia, and appears in the following situations:

Reduced absorption of substances by the body (pancreatitis, colitis, etc.),
Lack of proteins in the body,
Increasing its output in urine,
Significant blood loss
Accumulation of plasma in the abdominal cavity,
For severe burns,
Tumors of a malignant nature.

The concept of increasing the total level of protein in the body is called hyperproteinemia, and is divided into two types - absolute and relative. The first appears during the processes of inflammation and multiple myeloma, while the relative one appears during high fluid consumption by the body. The concentration in the blood is also affected by the position of the body in space and physical exercise; with these factors, the indicator can deviate by 10 percent.

When total protein is low, the factors causing it are:

Poor nutrition
Hypoproteinemia caused by decreased thyroid function,
When the liver is damaged, protein metabolism is disrupted,
Consumption of fluid in excess of the norm, or disruption of the processes of its removal from the body,
With too rapid breakdown of protein, which happens during: pathologies and operations, tumors of various types, severe trauma, exhaustion),

The deciphered protein levels are shown in the table below (Table 5):

Table 5

Type of squirrel

Standard mark

Total protein (g/l)	70-90
Albumin (%)	56,5-66,5
Globulin (%)	33,5-43,5
Creatine (µmol/l)	50-115
Urea (mmol/l)	4,2-8,3

Factors influencing deviations in albumin, globulin and fibrinogen are different. Doing a biochemical blood test does not detect fibrinogen (determined in a coagulogram).

Factors that influence deviations from the norm are shown in the table below (Table 6):

Table 6

Factions

Albumen

Globulin

Growth of indicators	Infectious diseases accompanied by large fluid losses	1. Globulin-A
	Burns.	Inflammatory processes with pus,
		Recovery from burns,
		Nephrotic syndrome accompanied by glomerulonephritis,
		Connective tissue pathologies.
		2. Globulin-B
		Bleeding stomach ulcer
		nephrotic syndrome,
		Hypothyroidism,
		3. Globulin-G
		Viral and bacterial infections,
		Burns,
		Allergic reactions.
			Decrease level	With insufficient development of newly born cells,
When carrying a fetus,
Swelling of the lungs,
Tumors of a malignant nature,
Liver diseases,
Increased hemorrhages.

Basic Rules

Since biochemistry can determine the presence of various substances in the blood, you need to know how to prepare for a specific study. But at the same time, there are general basic rules that must be followed in order to obtain reliable results.

You need to donate blood on an empty stomach. It must be remembered that it should be taken from the patient no earlier than 8 hours and no later than 14 hours after eating. It is allowed to drink only non-carbonated mineral water during this time period.

It is believed that the optimal time for collecting blood on an empty stomach from a patient is from 8 to 11 am. This is due to the fact that biochemical blood parameters change throughout the day, but the parameters obtained in the morning are considered reference values. In addition, to obtain reliable data, you must follow the following basic rules:

Avoid alcohol 2 weeks before the test.
It is necessary to exclude fatty, spicy and fried foods from the diet 3 days before the test, but there is no need to radically change your usual diet.
3 days before the study, you should avoid increased physical activity, including professional sports training.
It is necessary to donate blood before carrying out the prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures.

Other Important Requirements

You should know that smoking affects the production of various bioactive substances in the human body. Therefore, heavy smokers need, if not completely quit smoking, then a couple of days before the analysis, reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke. You need to stop smoking completely one hour before blood sampling.

Taking medications can also distort test results. They must be abandoned three days before the biochemical analysis, but if this cannot be done, then the attending physician must be notified.

To exclude an incorrect diagnosis, this fact must be taken into account when interpreting the results. You should be aware that common medications can affect biochemical analysis parameters in the following ways:

Vitamin C and paracetamol increase the amount of glucose.
Vitamin A and some hepatoprotectors affect ESR.
Aspirin and antibiotics reduce hemoglobin.

The accuracy of the data may also be affected by the psycho-emotional state of a person. Therefore, immediately before donating blood, you should sit in a relaxed state for about a quarter of an hour, trying to tune in to the positive.

How do the quantitative indicators of urea, creatine, and residual nitrogen change?

Like all other indicators, these three can also vary up or down. Such results are possible due to the destruction of body tissues, as a result of which protein increases, or due to incomplete kidney function. In some cases, these indicators increase in older people, which is the norm.

Among these indicators, the quantitative increase in creatine and urea is very important. The higher their values, the more obvious the kidney pathology.

Additional rules

A biochemical blood test and preparation for it are very important events. You need to understand that preparation for donating blood for research on certain indicators may differ slightly.

Important! It should be remembered that the patient must strictly follow the basic rules listed above in any case.

Depending on what substances should be determined in the blood, the following recommendations must be followed:

Before donating blood for urea levels, you should avoid even moderate physical activity for several days. In addition, you need to remove meat, liver and fish from your diet in a couple of days. During this period, only clean, non-carbonated water is allowed to drink, and the ban on drinking alcoholic beverages increases to 5 days.

Blood should be taken for analysis to determine the level of lipid substances, such as cholesterol and lipoproteins, no earlier than 12 hours after eating. In this case, there is no need to limit physical activity, but you should stop taking lipid-lowering medications fifteen days before the test. The diet does not require adjustment, but only clean, still water is allowed to drink.
You should prepare especially carefully for donating blood for glucose testing. Immediately before blood sampling, you should not only eat or drink, but even use chewing gum or brush your teeth. False results can be obtained while taking diuretics and some other medications.

A glucose tolerance test is always prescribed after a deviation in glucose has already been confirmed. Preparation for the analysis begins three days in advance in accordance with general requirements.
To donate blood for analysis to determine the level of macroglobulin or creatinine, you need to give up meat three days before the test.
If you want to get accurate indicators of substances that reflect the functions of the liver, pancreas or gall bladder, then you need to follow a non-strict diet for three days. It is important not to overload the digestive system with a large number of foods, and also not to eat fatty and fried foods, fast food and various sauces.

If blood is donated for the purpose of repeated biochemical analysis, then this must be done in the same laboratory. Moreover, you should donate blood, if possible, at the same time as the first time.

Lipid metabolism values. What is it and what are the normal indicators?

The relevance of fat metabolism indicators is not at all significant, and is expressed only by cholesterol metabolism, which helps to diagnose vascular atherosclerosis.

Due to the fact that this disease provokes the possibility of developing more dangerous diseases, including: heart attack, ischemic stroke, vascular lesions of the lower extremities, and branches of the aorta, doctors closely monitor this indicator.

Vascular atherosclerosis

Normal levels of lipid metabolism, in a biochemical blood test, are deciphered in the table (Table 7):

Table 7

Index

Normal level

Cholesterol (mmol/l)	<,5,2
Low-density lipoproteins (mmol/l)	<,2,2
High-density lipoproteins (mol/l)	0,9-1,9

Organic fats are divided into three groups:

Phospholipids,
Cholesterol,
Neutral fats called triglycerides.

Lipids are stored in the body in the following form:

Chylomicrons. They are concentrated mainly in triglycerides,
HDL-C. In the transcript, high-density lipoproteins,
LDL-C . Accordingly, low-density lipoproteins,
Triglycerides.

Cholesterol is of primary importance in a biochemical blood test.

What diseases cause deviations in lipid metabolism from the norm? These diseases and pathologies are shown in the table below (Table 8):

Table 8

Index

Reasons for the level increase

Reasons for the decline

Cholesterol	· Malignant tumors of the prostate and pancreas,	· Malignant tumors on the liver,
· Diabetes,	Death of liver tissue (cirrhosis),
· Heart attack,	· Arthritis,
· Alcohol addiction,	· Prolonged fasting,
· Hypertension,	· Chronic lung diseases,
· Myxedema,	· Failure of absorption of substances.
· When carrying a child,
· Cardiac ischemia,
· and etc.
Triglycerides	· Viral type hepatitis,	Chronic lung pathologies,
· Alcohol addiction,	· Overproduction by the thyroid and parathyroid glands,
Death of liver cells (cirrhosis),	· Fasting,
Renal failure (renal complex) of a chronic type,	· Failure to absorb substances.
· Heart attack,
· Diabetes,
· Gout,
· Down syndrome,
· and etc.

The level of elevated cholesterol is divided into:

Minimum degree. The indicator will be from 5.2 to 6.6 mmol/l.
Moderately high. An increase of this type can be directed for the better with proper nutrition (from 6.5 to 8 mmol/l),
High. All indicators are more than 8 mmol/l, in which case the diet will not be enough, mandatory use of therapy is necessary.

What is a biochemical blood test and its norms

The LHC includes various indicators. Typically, the analysis is prescribed at the first stage of diagnosing any pathological conditions. The reason for the study may be unsatisfactory results of a general blood test, control of chronic diseases, etc.

Table of norms and interpretation of the results of a biochemical blood test

Index	Standard values
Total protein	66–87 g/l
Glucose	4.11–5.89 mmol/l
Total cholesterol	< 5.2 mmol/l
Total bilirubin	≤ 21 µmol/l
Direct bilirubin	≤ 5 µmol/l
Indirect bilirubin	75% of total
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)	Women: up to 33.0 U/l Men: up to 41.0 U/l
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)	Women: up to 32.0 U/l Men: up to 40.0 U/l
Gamma glutamate transferase (GGT)	Women: 5.0–36.0 U/L Men: 8.0–61.0 U/l
Alkaline phosphatase	Women: 35.0–104.0 U/L Men: 40.0–129.0 U/l
Urea	2.76–8.07 mmol/l
Creatinine	Women: 44.0–80.0 µmol/L Men: 32.0–106.0 µmol/l Read also: What are the benefits and harms of ginger for the human body, how to eat it correctly
Alpha amylase	28.0–100.0 U/l
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)	Women: 135.0–214.0 U/L Men: 135.0–225.0 U/l
Calcium	2.15–2.5 mmol/l
Serum iron	5.83–34.5 µmol/l
Magnesium	0.66–1.07 mmol/l

What is the normal level of electrolytes in the blood with BAC?

By taking a laboratory biochemical blood test, you will also receive indicators of potassium and sodium - the two most important electrolytes found in human blood. Although their concentration in the human body is insignificant, electrolytes perform important actions in all chemical processes in our body.

Let's look at each of them separately:

Potassium The most important of the microelements, which takes a large part in enzyme processes, conducting electrical impulses directly to the heart. Any changes in composition and deviations from the norm are negative and have a detrimental effect on the myocardium.

Hyperkalemia is an upward deviation of potassium. Hypokalemia is a reduced state.

Having noticed high levels of potassium in a biochemical blood test, you should know that the consequences are unpleasant: a decrease in pulse, loss of consciousness, a drop in pressure, disturbance of the senses. Indicators above 7.10 mmol/l pose a threat to the body.

A decrease below 3 mmol/l is dangerous. With potassium deficiency, the following symptoms are expressed: weakness in the heart area, as well as in the muscles, vomiting and others.

Sodium ( Na) As such has no effect in metabolism. It is stored in a liquid located outside the cells. Its main task is to maintain normal blood pressure levels. The level of sodium in the body is controlled by a hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. This trace element is excreted in the urine. Hypernatremia is a significant increase in sodium concentration. Symptoms of high sodium saturation are: cramps throughout the body, sharp pain in the head, nausea, complete apathy, even coma is possible. A low level of this electrolyte is hyponatremia. It is manifested in symptoms: strong and constant thirst, body cramps, mild irritability, tremors in muscle tissue (possibly twitching), and even coma.
Magnesium ( Mg) No less important electrolyte than the previous ones; when values fall below 0.7 mmol/l, it is noticed with peritonitis, intestinal obstruction, constant vomiting and loss of large amounts of fluid by the body. An increase in their levels above 1.2 mmol/l carries the same danger.
Chlorine ( Cl) Acceptable values are 95-110 mmol/l. And the symptoms are similar to sodium.
Calcium (Ca)

A trace element that is responsible for muscle contraction, normalization of cell membranes and is responsible for the quality of bone tissue. If the value is below 2.2 mmol/l, then this is possible with hypothyroidism, low intake of food into the body, or rickets. Which can lead to weakness of muscle tissue, arrhythmia. An increase above 2.75 mmol/l usually occurs with hyperfunction of the parathyroid glands and pancreatic necrosis.

Vitamin D ,
Vitamin C , called ascorbic acid,
Iron ( Fe) This element is the main part that makes up hemoglobin,
Zinc ( Zn) Acute lack of this element in the body inhibits growth and sexual development. It also helps to enlarge the liver and spleen. Causes anemia.

The quantitative indicators of each of the electrolytes are very important for general health, although their concentration in relation to other blood elements is small.

What indicators does blood biochemistry reflect?

Blood is a separate tissue of the human body. Its composition is a combination of dozens of substances and compounds that nourish our body. With the development of technical and scientific progress, doctors have learned to recognize abnormalities in the composition of the blood and diagnose many diseases using them. Often this type of diagnosis gives a chance to identify diseases at the earliest stages, when there are no specific symptoms yet. Today, the composition of the blood can determine diseases of each internal organ, which greatly facilitates diagnosis and treatment.

What does a biochemical blood test show, and what are the norms for these values? Of course, blood composition indicators can change with age or in the presence of certain diseases. Also, some indicators may be affected by the patient’s lifestyle and the use of certain medications. What is included in a biochemical blood test? Blood is taken for biochemistry to evaluate the composition of the blood, which makes it possible to determine the functioning of all human organs. The analysis includes an assessment of the amount of the most important blood elements.

The following are considered average indicators for adults:

Index	Men	Women	Units
Glucose level	from 3.85 to 5.83		mmol/l.
Bilirubin	from 3.2 to 17.0		mmol/l.
ASAT	up to 38	up to 32	units/l.
ALaT	up to 46	up to 35	units/l.
Gamma-GT	up to 55	up to 38	units/l.
Phosphatase	from 30 to 120		units/l.
Cholesterol	from 3.1 to 5.7		mmol/l.
LDL	from 1.7 to 3.5		mmol/l.
Triglyceride	from 0.4 to 1.8		mmol/l.
Total protein	from 65 to 84		g/l.
Albumen	from 34 to 53		g/l.
K+	from 3.4 to 5.6		mmol/l.
Na+	from 135 to 146		mmol/l.
Cl-	from 97 to 108		mmol/l.
Creatinine	from 61 to 115	from 52 to 97	mmol/l.
Urea	from 2.7 to 7.3		mmol/l.
Uric acid	from 210 to 420	from 150 to 350	µmol/l.
SRB	from 0 to 5		g/l.
>Iron	from 11.63 to 30.42	from 8.94 to 30.42	µmol/l.

What glucose levels in the BAC transcript will be within the normal range?

The main significance of carbohydrate metabolism in deciphering a biochemical blood test is the level of glucose, which, along with oxygen, supplies fuel for the functioning of the cell. Penetration into the body occurs through the ingestion of food, subsequently breaking down into glycogen and being utilized.

Blood Sugar Level

The reasons causing deviations from healthy glucose levels in the LHC are listed in the table below (Table 9):

Table 9 Reasons for deviations from the norm

High glucose levels (hypoglycemia)

Decreased level (hyperglycemia)

· Long-term fasting of the body,	· Carbon monoxide poisoning,
· Failure of absorption processes,	· Epilepsy,
· Insulin overdose,	Diabetes type 1 and 2,
· Chronic liver pathologies,	· Tumors of the adrenal cortex,
Chronic adrenal insufficiency,	· Trauma and tumor formations of the brain,
· Hypopituitarism,	· Strong mental and emotional agitation,
· and others.	· and others.

What indicators are most important in a biochemical blood test?

The diagnostic markers of a biochemical blood test are the following indicators:

Blood glucose
. The most important test demonstrating the functionality and normal functioning of the endocrine system, liver and pancreas. This indicator is the main diagnostic parameter in identifying diabetes mellitus.
Total bilirubin
. This substance is a pigment that is formed as a result of the destruction of hemoglobin. This happens with the active destruction of red blood cells, with disruption of the liver (jaundice, cirrhosis), as well as as a result of disturbances in the outflow of bile.
Direct and indirect bilirubin. This indicator represents a separate fraction of the total bilirubin level and increases with disturbances of bile outflow, which is primarily characteristic of jaundice. The difference between the values of total bilirubin and the fraction of direct bilirubin is called an indirect indicator.
AST (AST) and ALT (ALT)
- these indicators are enzymes, the main place of production of which is liver cells. That is why an increase in the concentration of these substances in the blood may indicate destructive processes in the liver, heart and other internal organs.
Gamma-GT
(gamma-glutamyltransferase) is an enzyme whose increased concentration indicates pathology of the liver or pancreas. Alkaline phosphatase is another enzymatic factor that is normally detected in the blood in small quantities. An increase in alkaline phosphatase levels indicates diseases of the liver and bone structures.
Total cholesterol
is an important indicator that demonstrates liver function and the patient’s nutritional pattern, since this substance enters the body with food. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are the most important characteristic that can early signal a high risk of the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels.
Triglycerides
are one of the main characteristics of fat metabolism in the body.
Total protein
- demonstrates the overall level of protein components in the blood, and allows you to identify disorders in the liver and the presence of an infectious-inflammatory process.

Also, a biochemical blood test takes into account the level of albumin, potassium, sodium, chlorine, iron, creatinine, uric acid, urea and C-reactive protein.

Quantitative indicators of pigments in LHC

The main indicator in a biochemical blood test of pigment metabolism is bilirubin.

High levels of it in the blood are characteristic of a number of certain diseases; as a result, diagnosis is carried out in 3 groups of this pigment:

Total bilirubin,
Conjugated, or more simply put, direct bilirubin,
Not conjugated, called indirect.

When analyzing day pigment, their relationship with each other is taken into account rather than its quantitative state. In the majority of cases, LHC helps detect liver diseases, as well as pathologies of the biliary tract.

Analysis of the correct pigment indicators for LHC is shown in the table below (Table 10):

Table 10

Name

Normal indicator

When can it go up?

Total bilirubin (µmol/l)	8-20,5	With an increase in direct and indirect bilirubin.
Conjugated (µmol/l)	0,5-1	Pancreatic tumors of benign and malignant nature,
· Large increase in liver size associated with hepatitis,
Death of liver cells (cirrhosis), destroying the bile ducts,
· Inflammation of the bile ducts.
Not conjugated (µmol/l)	<,16,5	· Infectious diseases,
Death of liver cells (cirrhosis),
· Toxic poisoning of the body,
· Viral hepatitis, as well as toxic effects,
· Increased rate of destruction of red blood cells, due to an enlarged spleen,
· Hemolytic anemia.
· and etc.

Due to the fact that bilirubin itself is a toxic pigment for the brain, an increase in its levels is manifested by yellow skin (jaundice), and in more severe cases, memory loss and impaired intellectual activity.

For a certain list of indications, you will definitely be referred for a biochemical blood test to study bilirubin:

For hepatitis of a viral and toxic nature,
Tumor formations on the liver,
Death of liver cells (cirrhosis),
Rapid breakdown of red blood cells
Manifestations of jaundice.

The importance of biochemical research

Biochemical blood test is a common and informative method of laboratory diagnostics. Thanks to the study, it is possible to evaluate the functioning of all organs and systems of the human body. The added value of the analysis is that it only takes one day to get results. The only exceptions are some indicators determined as part of biochemistry. In modern laboratories, research can determine a huge number of important indicators, which is especially valuable when diagnosing diseases.

With a biochemical study, it is possible to assess with a high probability the correct functioning of the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract and other systems, to identify infection or contamination of the body, and autoimmune pathologies. The analysis also reveals a lack of vitamins and microelements and the presence of certain antibodies in the blood. The research algorithm is a complex and responsible process. The time that will be spent on it depends on the number of indicators being studied.

Biochemical research is an important method of laboratory diagnostics used in all areas of medicine.

The data is used by endocrinologists, gynecologists, surgeons, therapists and other doctors. Thanks to its results, the specialist can fully observe which organ or system of the patient is not working correctly. This greatly facilitates the choice of further examination and treatment methods. The test must also be taken for the purpose of disease prevention and health monitoring.

Can you understand the results of the LHC yourself?

By donating blood for a biochemical blood test, you receive results the next day. It is better to leave the interpretation of biochemistry to a qualified doctor. But a doctor’s consultation can be scheduled in a few days, and having the results in hand, having studied the normal indicators, you can assume and notice obvious deviations from the norm.

But it is very important that each person has the same results and may indicate different diseases. In such cases, a qualified doctor prescribes additional tests, more of a narrow spectrum, aimed at a specific organ. And only by comparing the indicators of all tests can he make a diagnosis as accurately as possible.

Stop self-medicating, no one will help you better than an experienced doctor!

Preparing for the study

A biochemical blood test is one of those types of studies, the accuracy of the results of which largely depends on the correct preparation of the patient before collecting the material. The latter begins a few days before blood sampling:

three to four days before donating blood for analysis, it is necessary to exclude alcohol, fatty and fried foods from the diet, and also minimize the amount of tea and coffee consumed. These measures will allow you to obtain true information about the functioning of the liver;
It is not recommended to switch to complete food abstinence a day or two before the test. Such actions can cause distortion of results, in particular, the level of bilirubin, sugar and uric acid;
procedures prescribed by a physiotherapist must be canceled two days before blood donation. The physical factors underlying the therapeutic effect of the techniques can affect the level of biochemical parameters. These include X-ray examination;
The level of physical activity performed also affects the biochemical metabolism in skeletal muscle tissue. Two days before donating blood, it is necessary to reduce physical activity;
Blood donation occurs on an empty stomach. It is necessary to eat food no later than 12 hours before the expected date of collection of material for biochemical research;
Fluid intake on the day of blood sampling is limited to a small amount of still water;
You must notify your doctor about all medications you are taking. This information will help the specialist correctly interpret the identified changes. This circumstance especially applies to patients with diabetes mellitus and patients receiving medications to lower blood cholesterol levels.

What are the basic indicators of the LHC?

The main indicators covering almost the entire body and assessing the state of internal organs and health are the following standards:

ALT,
AST,
LDH,
Total protein
Alkaline phosphate,
Glucose,
Total and conjugated bilirubin,
Urea,
Uric acid,
Iron,
Sodium,
Total cholesterol
HDL,
Potassium,
OZhSS,
Albumen.

The list of these indicators is quite enough for a qualified doctor to assess the complete control of internal organs and adjust the body’s therapy. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe additional, more specific examinations. But in most cases it is standard.

Color index value

If the determination of the total level of hemoglobin shows the degree of saturation of the blood with this protein, then the color indicator of red blood cells indicates the saturation of each individual red blood cell with hemoglobin. The practical significance of the indicator is that it helps in differential diagnosis between different types of anemia. This indicator is calculated mathematically. To do this, you need to divide triple the hemoglobin figure by the red blood cell level indicator (three digits without a comma). Normally, the resulting indicator should be from 0.8 to 1.1.

The interpretation of possible deviations from the norm can be presented as follows:

Hypochromia of erythrocytes is a condition in which the blood being tested has a color index below 0.8. This indicates a deficiency in the body of iron or special proteins that are involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin;
Normochromia – normal color index numbers;
Hyperchromia is a condition when the color index is higher than 1.1. Indicates an excess of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which occurs when the process of their synthesis and maturation is disrupted in megaloblastic B12-deficiency anemia.

Control of hemoglobin and color index is one of the criteria for the normal course of pregnancy

General blood test indicators

A general blood test (which is just as familiar to many of us as a clinical test) is taken from the blood of a finger or vein. The study of such biological material is carried out in the morning on an empty stomach, or during the day, but provided that the person did not eat or drink for 2 hours before blood sampling.

In different laboratories, the forms and tables of results may differ, but the normal indicators themselves are always the same. This article will present the indicators of the Russian standard, which are found in most public and private medical institutions.

An adult can easily read the results of a general blood test, because each form has a column where it is customary to indicate the standard normal value, and a column for the individual results obtained. It is enough just to compare them. But! Most people, seeing that the result is different from the norm, begin to panic. This cannot be done, because there are many reasons for such phenomena, for example, increased hemoglobin occurs in people who drink little water, or an increased number of leukocytes is often found in those who engage in sports or fitness due to physical activity. And those who smoke or take oral contraceptives may have lower hemoglobin and increased platelet counts. Those. These are also variants of the norm. That’s why it’s so important to go to the hospital with the test results so that the readings are deciphered and assessed by a qualified specialist. People with medical education know the designation of each analysis, and therefore know how to “read” them correctly, taking into account all the factors.

So, we bring to your attention: a table of CBC (complete blood count) indicators.

Indicators	Description	Norm
RBC (red blood cells), erythrocytes	Red blood cells. Shows how well cells “breathe”.	For women - 3.5-5 pieces per 1 liter. For men, 4.5-5 pieces per 1 liter. Below normal - anemia, lack of oxygen. Above normal – blood is too thick, risk of blockage of blood vessels.
HGB (Hb), hemoglobin	Hemoglobin transports oxygen to cells.	For women 120-160 g/l. During pregnancy or menstruation, 110-120 is acceptable. For men - 130-170 g/l. Below normal - anemia, lack of oxygen. Above normal - increased number of red blood cells.
NCT, hematocrit	The ratio of red and white cells in the blood (percentage of red cells).	For women - 0.36-0.46%. For men - 0.41-0.53%. Above normal - blood thickening. Below normal - anemia.
PLT (platelets), platelets	Platelets are responsible for blood clotting.	For women and men the same - 180-360 x 109 per liter. Above normal – varicose veins, thrombosis. Below normal - problems in the hematopoietic system.
L, WBC (white blood cells), leukocytes.	White blood cells provide immune protection.	For women and men it is the same - 4-9 x 109 per liter. Above normal - inflammation, viruses, bacteria, fungi, blood loss. Below normal - some viral diseases.
ESR, ESR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate	Indirect indicator of the inflammatory process.	For women - 12-20 mm/h depending on age. For men - 8-15 mm/h depending on age. Above normal - possible inflammation. Below the norm is a rare case.

Analysis transcript

Having in hand the results of a detailed biochemical blood test, and knowing all its norms, you can easily come to the conclusion about dysfunction or disruption of the functioning of some organ or an entire organ system. But it is worth remembering that decoding should only be done by a specialist.

In order to decipher the analysis data, you need to know the following:

The normal blood sugar level is 3.3-5.5. A smaller amount indicates hypoglycemia, and an increased amount indicates hyperglycemia, which indicates the presence of one of the forms of diabetes mellitus. Blood glucose levels should be monitored once every six months.
Total protein ranges from 65 g/L to 80 g/L. Its increased level is observed in inflammatory diseases or malignant neoplasms. Decreased protein levels indicate liver dysfunction or severe hemorrhage.

Liver function is directly proportional to bilirubin levels and vice versa. The norm for the direct form of this enzyme is from 0 µmol/g to 8 µmol/g. Indirect is contained in slightly larger amounts - 16-22 µmol/g. A change in the concentration of these substances indicates the presence of jaundice.
ACaT and ALaT indicate liver function. Normal values for ASaT are 30 units per liter, and ALaT are 30-40 units per milliliter. The levels of these enzymes increase in severe cardiovascular diseases, as well as in acute heart failure. Decreased levels can be seen with liver dysfunction.
Urea and uric acid are markers of kidney function. Normally they are 6-8 mmol/l. Their increase indicates serious kidney diseases, such as pyelonephritis or glomerulonephritis. Also, changes in uric acid levels may indicate leukemia or acute renal failure.
Hemoglobin, globulin and albumin are essential components of blood. The hemoglobin norm is 120-160, and albumin 30-50 g/l. A change in their level indicates anemia, lack of fluid in the body, or polycystic heart and kidney disease.
Microelements are also no less important than other indicators. The norms for sodium, chlorine and potassium are 140 mmol/l, 102 mmol/l and 3-5 mmol/l, respectively. A decrease in their level indicates muscular dystrophy.
Cholesterol is usually elevated in diseases such as atherosclerosis, anemia or malignancy.

It is worth noting that advanced blood biochemistry is an analysis accurate enough to draw some conclusions about certain diseases. But these conclusions should be made exclusively by a doctor, because self-medication and self-diagnosis are dangerous to human health!

Indicators of a standard blood test panel for biochemistry

A biochemical blood test contains many indicators. To determine the pathology, the doctor prescribes a study only on certain points that are related to a specific organ and will reflect its functionality.

Read: Why do you need to take blood tests on an empty stomach?

The standard examination includes the following indicators:

Index	Meaning
Glucose (blood sugar)	Refers to markers of carbohydrate metabolism and indicates problems in the endocrine system and liver. This test is used to monitor sugar levels in diabetes. Overweight people need to monitor their indicators and get tested more often.
Bilirubin	The amount of direct bilirubin is associated with the outflow of bile, and indirect bilirubin is responsible for serious liver pathologies.
Creatinine	Shows the functioning of the kidneys and affects energy metabolism in tissues. Its values are included with urea values.
Urea	This is a product of complete protein processing. It is completely excreted by the kidneys, therefore it carries information about their performance.
Cholesterol (cholesterol)	Refers to markers of fat metabolism and is necessarily determined in case of cardiovascular diseases.
AST	A small amount of the enzyme enters the blood. Most of it is synthesized in the liver.
ALT	Element from liver cells. A small amount is found in the heart and kidneys, from where it enters the bloodstream when cells are destroyed.
Total protein	Responsible for the normal process of metabolism, water metabolism and consists of globulins, lipoproteins, protamine and albumins.
Amylase	The level of the enzyme changes in diseases of the stomach and pancreas.
Albumen	One of the main proteins, which makes up about 30% of those contained in the blood.
Electrolytes (potassium, chlorine, sodium)	Necessary components for the water and electrolyte balance of the body.
Rheumatoid factor	Antibodies that are found in the blood of patients with rheumatism and arthritis.
Triglycerides	They are an indicator of lipid metabolism. Important as energy components. Indicators vary depending on age and gender.
Serum iron	This is the part of hemoglobin necessary for the transport of air and the formation of blood.

Standard preparation

The standard preparation process is quite simple; the main thing is to follow all the recommendations of specialists. You can ask the nurse in advance.

The main condition for conducting a biochemistry test is that the patient has an empty stomach. You don't have to stick to the early morning time. This could be in the evening, the main thing is that at least 6 hours have passed since the last meal, preferably 8. Snacking is also undesirable. Snacks include tea, coffee, especially sweet ones. Pure, sugar-free, still water is ideal. You can drink it. If you are going to donate blood for sugar, you should even brush your teeth without using toothpaste; in addition, mouth rinses may also contain sweeteners and other substances that will negatively affect the analysis.

How is blood drawn?

Blood sampling should be done with the patient lying or sitting. A tourniquet must be installed on the arm. The injection is made in a place below the tourniquet. Before piercing the skin, it is necessary to wipe it with an antiseptic solution. This is required so that during the procedure the infection is not brought inside. The needle must be inserted slowly. The sample is taken from a vein. The blood goes into a test tube. After this, the blood fluid should be immediately sent to a biochemical research laboratory.

Most often, such an analysis of all blood parameters takes no more than 1 business day. In some cases, it is necessary to obtain research results very quickly. Then, during an emergency test, within 15-20 minutes it will be possible to obtain information about the main parameters. This examination is considered completely safe for humans. The doctor uses various chemicals to produce the required reactions. A large number of techniques have been developed that help identify all deviations in the criteria.

How are biochemical analysis indicators deciphered?

The determination of a biochemical blood test is based on a comparison of normal values with the results found in the patient. The analysis form contains the necessary indicators, which are determined by the biochemical laboratory, including reference values.

Important! In some cases, a diagnosis can be made when one or more parameters are abnormal. But most often, to conduct a full diagnosis, a number of additional research methods may be required, thanks to which a specialist will be able to assess the clinical picture of the disease.

Let us consider how the pathology of biochemical analyzes manifests itself using the example of the most commonly used indicators.

Blood indicator	Meaning			Units
Blood indicator	before	after	norm	Units
Red blood cells (RGB)	4.8	5.0	4.0–5.1	1012 cells/l
Hemoglobin (HGB)	148.0	159.0	130–160	g/l
Hematocrit (HCT)	43.2	44	40–48	%
Average red blood cell volume	100.0	98.9	90–102	fl
Average hemoglobin content in an erythrocyte	31.72	32.2	30 34	ig
Average hemoglobin concentration in erythrocyte	30.20	29.30	32–36	g/dl
Platelets	370	385	150–400	109 cells/l
Leukocytes	5.2	6.9	4–9	109 cells/l
Lymphocytes (LYM)	33.4	39.0	20–40	%
ESR (ESR)	4	4	2–15	mm/hour
Creatinine (CREAT)	78	89	80–150	µmol/l
Total cholesterol (CHOL)	4.1	3.2	3,5–6,5	mmol/l
Bilirubin (BIL)	14	16.6	8.5–20.5	µmol/l
Glucose (GLU)	4.0	3.7	3,30— 6.10	mmol/l
Aspartate amino transferase	21	21.8	up to 31	units/l

This is what an example of an analysis looks like: a table for deciphering a biochemical blood test in adults

Total protein

A comprehensive biochemical blood test always includes total protein, which is the totality of all proteins that are present in the blood plasma. This level is reduced in the following cases:

with thyrotoxicosis;
liver diseases;
bleeding, which can be both chronic and acute;
due to a decrease in protein intake during fasting.

Protein levels increase in the following cases:

in the presence of acute, chronic infections;
due to dehydration due to vomiting, burns, diarrhea, etc.
against the background of the development of cancer.

Uric acid

Substance	Indicators	Normal for men	Normal for women	Units
Squirrels	Total protein	64-83		g/l
	Albumen	33-50		g/l
	C-reactive protein (CRP)	up to 0:5		mg/l
Enzymes	Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT)	up to 41	up to 31	U/l
	Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)	up to 41	up to 31	U/l
	Alpha amylase	27-100		U/l
	Phosphatase alkaline	up to 270	up to 240	U/l
Lipids	Total cholesterol	3:0-6:0		mmol l
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol	2:2-4:8	L92-4.51	mmol l
	HIGH DENSITY lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL)	0:7-1:83%	0:8-2:2	mmol l
Carbohydrates	Glucose	3=88-5=83		mmol l
Carbohydrates	Fructosamine	205-285		µmol l
Pigments	Total bilirubin	3:4-17:1		µmol l
Pigments	Direct bilirubin	0-3:4		µmol l
Low molecular weight nitrogenous substances	Creatinine	62-115	53-97	µmol l
	Uric acid	210-420	145-350	µmol l
	Urea	2:4-6:4		mmol l
Inorganic substances and vitamins	Iron	11:6-30:4	8.9-30:4	µmol l
	Potassium	3.5-5.5		mmol l
	Calcium	2.15-2.5		mmol l
	Sodium	135-145		mmol l
	Magnesium	0:66-1:05		mmol l
	Phosphorus	0:87-1:45		mmol l
	Folic acid	3-17		ng ml
	Vitamin B12	180-900		ng ml

Table: norm of biochemical blood test for women and men

It is formed during the metabolism of proteins of some species. Mostly excreted by the kidneys or feces. When uric acid levels increase, the following diseases are most often diagnosed:

lymphomas and leukemias;
renal failure;
alcoholism;
overdose of drugs such as diuretics and salicylates.

Note: Uric acid levels may also be elevated due to prolonged fasting.

We also recommend studying this topic:

What are triglycerides in a biochemical blood test?

Bilirubin

This is a bile pigment formed during the destruction of red blood cells. Its normal metabolism occurs only if the liver is functioning properly, and therefore the level of this indicator is the main source in determining problems with the liver and biliary tract. Anemia is also diagnosed using bilirubin.

You can find out more about what bilirubin is in a biochemical blood test on our website.

Research involves determining the free and bound fractions of a given component. When conjugated bilirubin increases, the following diseases are most often suspected: pancreatic tumors, cholelithiasis, inflammation of the biliary tract, etc.

Let's consider what determines the increased content of free bilirubin:

Various types of hepatitis, including viral and drug-induced.
Neoplasms in the liver or initial forms of cirrhosis.
Drug-induced hepatitis.
Liver damage by bacteria (leptospirosis, brucellosis, etc.)

Low bilirubin also indicates some diseases in the body, and this is discussed in more detail in an article on our website.

Enzymes

Different types of enzymes can also be an indicator of the condition of internal organs. Based on their activity, a diagnosis can be made.

Checking blood for enzyme levels

Most often, an increase in enzyme activity occurs against the background of damage to cells that make up tissues and organs. Thus, this may indicate the development of the following diseases:

liver necrosis;
acute hepatitis;
severe tissue hypoxia;
myocardial and renal infarction;
pulmonary embolism;
epilepsy, etc.

If a biochemical blood test is normal, this indicates the health of the body, while deviations are a reason to immediately consult a doctor. Using blood biochemistry, specialists can accurately diagnose a number of diseases.

← Can a biochemical blood test show oncology?

What is creatinine in a biochemical blood test? →

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Indications for taking a biochemical blood test

Any examination (special or for the purpose of prevention) begins with a biochemical blood test (BAC).

Frequent indications for research are:

liver and kidney pathologies;
deviations in the normal functioning of the heart (ischemia, failure, heart attack, stroke);
diseases of the genitourinary system (inflammatory processes of various etymologies);
endocrine pathologies (diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction);
disruptions in the normal functioning of the digestive tract (ulcerative or inflammatory processes in the stomach, intestines, duodenum, pancreas);
pathological changes in the spine, joints and soft tissues (osteochondrosis, arthrosis, arthritis, bursitis, osteoporosis).

It is mandatory to prescribe BAC during pregnancy, before any upcoming surgery, and during annual medical examinations.

You need to donate blood for biochemistry in case of coronary heart disease

Biochemistry: what is it

Today, biochemistry is considered the most universal method that allows laboratory testing of a patient’s blood. Donating blood for biochemistry means receiving information about the functioning of all systems of the human body. At the same time, the analysis is performed very quickly, which means that the results will be available literally the next day.

Biochemistry allows the doctor to assess how well certain internal organs work, whether there are any processes of a rheumatic or inflammatory nature. In addition, it is possible to identify disturbances in the exchange of water and salts or detect a deficiency or excess of microelements. This is all very important for initial diagnosis and confirmation of the preliminary diagnosis.

What blood tests are there?10807

Biochemistry is one of the few tests that is required in all medical fields. This is due to the fact that the functional capabilities of the body are important when selecting treatment for both a common cold and a complex gynecological infection or endocrine problems. In addition, this study is important if the patient adheres to some kind of diet, especially a strict one, since the analysis helps in determining various types of vitamins and microelements.

Within the framework of biochemistry, all parameters from hormonal to immunological are checked. In addition, the condition of blood cells is assessed. The peculiarity of this study is the ability to detect deviations from the norm in blood parameters before the pathology manifests itself with clear symptoms, which usually indicates a more obvious destruction of the patient’s body.

The results must be interpreted by a doctor, since they depend on the gender and age of the patient, although usually the results form gives the minimum and maximum limits of a particular indicator, so the presence of pathology can be noticed in advance.

Most often, a standard study includes the definition of:

proteins and their fractions;
enzymes;
carbohydrates;
pigments;
lipids;
vitamins and inorganic substances;
low molecular nitrogen substances.

If you receive deviating results, you should regard this as evidence of a possible malfunction of the body. So-called “bad” tests require mandatory consultation with a specialist.

Taking blood tests

Laboratory blood tests are the most effective way to determine the reliable and objective health status of your pet. With the help of a blood test, you can avoid ineffective treatment and medical errors, since it most accurately indicates what is happening in the animal’s body. Based on the test results, specialists determine inflammatory processes, anemia, neoplasms, helminths, and allergies. With the help of a more detailed analysis - biochemical, you can learn about the functional state of the bone and muscle systems, as well as internal organs. Clinic "Paws-Scratchy" offers owners of any pets a service - taking blood tests for animals.

Blood tests are an opportunity to determine the correct diagnosis of any disease without leaving your home! Main benefits of blood tests:

- the pet will be in a familiar environment, at rest - which is important when taking such an analysis

— analyzes are processed as quickly as possible (general sampling - several hours, biochemistry - within 24 hours)

— upon your call to our clinic, the veterinarian will arrive at the specified address as quickly as possible

— the veterinarian will advise and, if necessary, prescribe the correct treatment for the animal

If the animal becomes ill with a more serious illness and requires more serious examination, we will deliver it to our clinic for a more thorough diagnosis using the most modern veterinary equipment. We never leave animals alone with their illnesses!

How to prepare an animal for a blood test

Any blood tests should be performed on the animal on an empty stomach. The fasting period depends on the type of research required. Ideally, you should not feed your pet for about 8-10 hours. There are no restrictions on water consumption. If the test is to determine cholesterol levels, then fasting should be at least 12-14 hours. Before taking a general analysis, it is permissible to feed 3-4 hours before blood sampling.

Hormonal tests (for example, to determine the level of progesterone or estradiol) are taken only on special days, strictly calculated by the veterinarian. Thyroid hormones can be determined on any day, regardless of the cycle

If blood tests are taken for the hormone cortisol, it is important for owners to ensure that the animal is in a state of complete rest, otherwise the result will be inaccurate and therefore useless

In any case, when conducting any blood test on an animal, especially a specific one, consult our specialist first. He will tell you exactly how to prepare your pet for testing.

Don’t put your pet under stress, don’t make a tedious journey to the clinic with him, use ours. You can call our “Paws-Scratchy” clinic at any time of the day and arrange for tests to be taken at a time convenient for you. A team of highly qualified veterinarians will come to you exactly at the appointed time, take the necessary tests from your pet, and you will know exactly everything about the health status of your beloved pet. This is as convenient as possible for both owners and animals! Contact us, we are always open to cooperation!

Histology
Cytology
PCR diagnosis of infections
Urine examination
Stool examination

Cats

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Reptiles

Analysis transcript

With the correct interpretation of a biochemical blood test, it is possible to determine the presence of disturbances in water-salt metabolism, identify inflammatory processes and infections, and also assess the performance status of all the patient’s organs. Let's consider the main studied indicators and their normal values.

Total protein. Protein is involved in the processes of processing and transporting nutrients. The protein level is considered to be 64–84 g/l. Its increase can be caused by an infectious disease, arthritis, rheumatism or oncology.

Hemoglobin. It is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. For men, a value from 130 to 160 g/l is considered normal, and for women – 120–150 g/l. A decrease in these values indicates possible anemia.

Haptoglobin. Binds hemoglobin and stores iron in the body. Its norm in blood serum for children is 250–1380 mg/l depending on age, for adults – 150–2000 mg/l, for elderly people – 350–1750 mg/l. A low level indicates autoimmune diseases, liver disease, enlarged spleen or defects in the red blood cell membrane, while a high level indicates the possible presence of malignant neoplasms.

Glucose. She is responsible for carbohydrate metabolism. Arterial blood contains it in greater quantities than venous blood. The norm for this indicator is 3.30–5.50 mmol/l. A level above this value indicates a risk of diabetes or a violation of the body's tolerance to glucose.

Urea. It is the main product of protein breakdown, and its value should not exceed 2.5–8.3 mmol/l. High levels may be caused by poor kidney function, heart failure, tumors, bleeding, intestinal obstruction or urinary tract obstruction. A short-term increase in urea occurs during intense training or physical activity.

Creatinine. Like urea, creatinine is an indicator of kidney function and takes part in tissue energy metabolism. Its level in the blood directly depends on muscle mass and is 62–115 µmol/l for men, and 53–97 µmol/l for women. A higher value indicates hyperthyroidism or renal failure.

Cholesterol. It is a component of fat metabolism and takes part in the construction of cell membranes, the synthesis of sex hormones and vitamin D. There are several types of cholesterol: total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The norm for total cholesterol is considered to be 3.5–6.5 mmol/l. An increase indicates diseases of the cardiovascular system or liver and the possibility of developing atherosclerosis.

Bilirubin. It is formed during the breakdown of hemoglobin. Direct and indirect bilirubin together form total bilirubin, its normal level is 5–20 µmol/l. A higher value (over 27 µmol/l) is manifested by jaundice and can be caused by cancer, liver disease, hepatitis, poisoning, liver cirrhosis, cholelithiasis or vitamin B12 deficiency.

ALT (ALT) – alanine aminotransferase. This enzyme is contained in the cells of the liver, kidneys and heart, so its presence in the blood indicates the destruction of the cells of these organs. In men, the norm is considered to be up to 41 units/l, in women – up to 31 units/l. A high ALT value indicates damage to the heart or liver, that is, the possible presence of viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, heart attack, heart failure or myocarditis.

AST (AST) – aspartate aminotransferase. This enzyme, like ALT, is found in the heart, liver and kidneys and takes part in the metabolism of amino acids. Its norm for men is up to 41 units/l, for women – up to 31 units/l. An increase indicates a heart attack, hepatitis, pancreatitis, liver cancer or heart failure.

Lipase. An enzyme that promotes the breakdown of fats

The most important is pancreatic lipase (pancreatic). Normally, its content should not exceed 190 units/l

A higher value may indicate symptoms of pancreatic disease.

Amylase. It breaks down carbohydrates from food and ensures their digestion. It can be found in the salivary glands and pancreas. There are alpha-amylase (diastase) and pancreatic amylase. Their normal values are 28–100 units/l and 0–50 units/l, respectively. A high amylase level indicates peritonitis, pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, pancreatic cyst, stones, cholecystitis or kidney failure.

It should be noted that sometimes the results can indicate completely different diseases, so it is recommended to consult a specialist to understand the norms of a blood test for biochemistry.

How does food affect results?

The evening before your scheduled blood test, it is best not to eat too much. This will overload the gastrointestinal tract. And if you need to identify diseases in the liver, pancreas, gall bladder, then it is better to stick to the diet for 2-3 days. Moreover, fatty, fried, salty foods, fast food, sauces will have a negative effect on the organs and distort the result.

Fats that a person ate the day before can cause high clotting. Turbid blood serum will become unsuitable for testing.

What indicators are included in biochemistry?

When performing a biochemical blood test, certain indicators are taken into account. Only a doctor should decipher the result. Independent decryption is not allowed. If a deviation from the norm of any one indicator is detected, this does not necessarily indicate pathology.

The main indicators of blood biochemistry include:

Glucose is the most important source of energy in the body. Carbohydrate compounds are broken down and absorbed in the small intestine. Blood sugar may indicate diabetes. You can also determine how effective the treatment for the disease was. It is important to monitor your glucose levels because it is responsible for energy in the body.

AST and ALT are enzymes that are synthesized in the liver and are indicators of its functioning. Available in liver cells and in small quantities in the blood. If too many of them are found, this may indicate the destruction of liver cells and that enzymes have been released into the blood.

Alkaline phosphatase, which is an enzyme found in almost all tissues of the body. But the liver and bone tissue are richest in it.

Cholesterol is a lipid that is involved in metabolism. An increase in its level increases the likelihood of heart and vascular diseases, since it can accumulate on their walls. This is fraught with narrowing of their lumen and blockage. This can cause myocardial infarction.

Cholesterol affects male sex hormones and renews cells.

Bilirubin. There are general, direct and indirect biochemical blood tests. Hemoglobin is broken down and bilirubin is formed. The liver helps remove it from the body. If too much bilirubin is detected, this may indicate that the liver is not healthy. This enzyme is yellow in color, and when its content in the body is high, jaundice occurs.

Urea, which is formed when amino acids break down. It is excreted from the body by the kidneys and, accordingly, shows their normal or abnormal activity.

Albumin, which is a protein produced in the liver and removed by the kidneys. Shows how healthy these organs are. It is the main and most abundant protein in the blood. Albumin has a transport function and normalizes blood pressure.

Iron also performs a transport function, participates in hematopoiesis and metabolic processes. Normal iron in the blood means normal hemoglobin. Depending on which indicator will be studied, preparations for donating blood for biochemical analysis are also carried out. More on this later.

Possible indications for a biochemical blood test

A biochemical blood test is prescribed whenever there is a suspicion of pathology in the functioning of the organs of the human body.
This type of analysis is an auxiliary form of diagnosis - it is rarely done immediately without preliminary examination using conventional clinical methods.

A biochemical blood test is necessary in order to clarify the parameters of previous research methods, the numerical values of which aroused suspicion among the attending physician. For example, a patient has high sugar - you need to find out what exactly caused the excess glucose in the blood - a disorder in the functioning of the pancreas and other organs of the endocrine system, liver pathologies or hereditary diseases. If, together with high sugar, there is an imbalance in the content of potassium and sodium in the blood, carbon monoxide poisoning is possible, and if the norm for β-globulins is exceeded with high glucose, diabetes mellitus is possible.

A biochemical blood test allows you to add specifics to the diagnosis of the state of the cardiovascular, genitourinary, endocrine and musculoskeletal systems, and the gastrointestinal tract. This research method often makes it possible to detect cancer in the early stages of their development.

Rules for preparing for the test

BHC has 97–98% sensitivity and specificity, which shows its diagnostic value and informativeness. It is important to follow the correct analysis algorithm.

Biological material for research is venous blood. Be sure to take it on an empty stomach. For 10–12 hours, exclude food, alcohol, heavy physical activity, and smoking. Drugs that may affect the results of the hematological test are discontinued 2–3 days in advance. If it is impossible to cancel therapy, the laboratory assistant should be warned about this. Routine laboratory diagnostics are carried out before surgical interventions and radiation methods of examination (treatment).

Biological material is collected at home or in the laboratory in compliance with aseptic rules. Compliance with the rules for preparing for analysis ensures that reliable results are obtained.

What does a biochemical blood test show?

Blood is one of the biomaterials of the body. It is present in all organs and tissues. It contains substances that are formed during the functioning of all organs. A blood biochemistry test determines the presence and level of its components.

By comparing the diagnostic data and normal indicators, it is possible to determine the functional state of organs and determine the nature of the pathologies occurring in them. For some diseases, blood biochemistry is the only way to objectively confirm the diagnosis.

In addition to the main ones (glucose, hemoglobin, creatinine, cholesterol and others), biochemical analysis also reveals specific indicators (electrolytes, serum, rheumatoid factor and others) necessary for the diagnosis of endocrinological and genetic diseases. The method is also applicable in pediatrics and sports medicine to assess the functional state of the body of children and athletes.

What can the results tell us?

The interpretation of the obtained analysis indicators consists of comparison with the normal values of each marker. After comparing the results, the doctor gives his conclusion. Further actions will depend on the severity of the disease. Self-medication is prohibited, as this can lead to irreparable consequences.

Interpretation of analysis results:

The norm for total protein is 66-83 g/l. An increase can be observed with infectious diseases, dehydration or oncology. If the value is below normal, this indicates a pathological process in the liver or serious internal bleeding.
Currently, doctors are struggling with a serious illness that is becoming increasingly common - diabetes mellitus. Normal values are in the range of 3.330–5.50 mmol/l. Absolutely healthy people also need to control their sugar levels by donating blood 2-3 times a year. An increase in indicators may occur if the endocrine system or adrenal glands are disrupted. A slight increase in values occurs in pregnant women and those prone to obesity.
The proper functioning of the kidneys is reflected in the level of bilirubin. The rate of direct bilirubin is 0–7.9 µmol/g, and the rate of indirect bilirubin should not exceed 19 µmol/g. An increased value indicates liver dysfunction (jaundice, hemorrhage, leptospirosis).
Aspartate aminotransferase in women should not be higher than 34 U/L; in men, the upper limit is 37 U/L. In females, the value may increase due to long-term therapy with hormonal (contraceptive) drugs. A significant increase is also observed in cases of heart disease or renal failure.
Alanine aminotransferase values increase with the death of liver cells (cirrhosis, hepatitis) or blood diseases. The norm for women is not higher than 34 units/Ml, for men – 45 units/Ml. An increase in enzyme levels can be caused by a heart attack, acute hepatitis, or liver necrosis.
Kidney health is monitored using urea and uric acid tests. The upper limit of the urea indicator (8.3 mmol/l) is exceeded if the kidneys lose their functionality (pyelonephritis, functional failure of urine outflow). This can be caused by both the disease and the age of the patient. If you have poor nutrition or diet, there may be a decrease in values. Excess uric acid is a signal of possible kidney failure, leukemia, and exhaustion.
Albumin values in the range of 32-52 g/l indicate normal protein levels in the blood. An increase may be caused by dehydration or problems with the kidneys or heart.
Based on data on the concentration of creatinine in the blood, the functionality of the kidneys is judged. For women, the norm is 53 – 97 µmol/l, for men – 62 – 114 µmol/l.
The norm for sodium is 137–145 mmol/l, chlorine – 98–106 mmol/l, potassium – 3.5–5.5 mmol/l.
Amylase, which is included in the biochemical blood test, consists of two values. The norms of alpha-amylase are 27-100 U/l, pancreatic amylase is up to 50 U/l. An increase in indicators occurs with serious disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract (pancreatitis, cholecystitis, peritonitis). A decrease in the norm is possible during pregnancy.
Cholesterol increases with atherosclerosis, anemia, and cancer pathologies. This value is different for men and women and also depends on concomitant diseases. In a normal state, “good” cholesterol (high-density lipids) should exceed “bad” cholesterol.
In pregnant women in the early stages, a deficiency of folic acid can be detected by biochemical analysis. This element is important for the formation of the neural tube of the unborn child. Therefore, during the first trimester, doctors recommend taking vitamin complexes for pregnant women.

Read: How to reduce leukocytes in the blood: tips and recipes

It is not always possible to diagnose diseases using a single biochemistry blood test. An experienced specialist, when making a diagnosis, is based not only on the results of laboratory tests, but also prescribes additional examination of the patient.

More information about biochemical blood tests can be found in the video:

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