Blood Chemistry Profile

A Chemistry Profile is a group of tests performed on a single sample of blood. Each test measures the value of a different substance in the blood. These values provide information on the function of different organ systems (kidney, liver, etc.) or the risk for certain diseases (diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, etc.). Some of the chemicals and their meanings are as follows:

Sodium - Potassium - Chloride - Bicarbonate These four "electrolytes" are routinely evaluated. Their abnormal values may represent problems of salt/water or acid/base balance. They may be abnormal from dehydration, vomiting, medications, or kidney problems.

Albumin is the primary protein found in blood. Its depressed value may represent malnutrition, liver disease, or other problems.

Bilirubin is a substance in blood that, when elevated, causes jaundice. Too much bilirubin may mean that too many red cells are being destroyed, or that the liver is incapable of removing bilirubin from the blood.

Alkaline Phosphatase is an enzyme produced by the liver and bone and is released into the blood during injury and during such normal activities as bone growth and pregnancy. Abnormally high blood levels of alkaline phosphatase may indicate disease in bone or liver, bile duct obstruction, or certain malignancies.

Blood Urea Nitrogen - Creatinine are blood chemicals that are often elevated in cases of dehydration or kidney disease.

Glucose is a common blood sugar and its elevation may indicate diabetes.

Calcium is found mostly in the bones but is an important element in the blood as well. It is an important factor in bone formation, parathyroid metabolism, kidney disease, and Vitamin D metabolism.

Uric Acid is a chemical. In gout, there are frequently, but not always, elevated levels of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia).

SGOT is an enzyme found mostly in the liver but also in the heart, the muscles, the kidneys, the pancreas, and in red blood cells. High elevations may be associated with a variety of conditions including liver disease or muscle trauma.

Iron is an element important in hemoglobin and its ability to carry oxygen. Its low value could indicate anemia.