What are the normal ranges for ALT blood tests. How do high and low levels of ALT affect health. What is the difference between direct and indirect bilirubin. When should you get an ALT blood test. How are ALT blood tests performed. What do ALT blood test results mean.

Understanding ALT Blood Tests: Purpose and Procedure

ALT (alanine aminotransferase) blood tests are crucial diagnostic tools used to assess liver function and detect potential liver damage. These tests measure the levels of ALT enzymes in the blood, which are primarily found in liver cells. When liver cells are damaged or die, ALT is released into the bloodstream, causing elevated levels.

Why Are ALT Blood Tests Performed?

ALT blood tests are typically ordered for several reasons:

• To screen for liver disease
• To monitor existing liver conditions
• To evaluate the effectiveness of liver treatments
• To assess potential liver damage from medications
• As part of a comprehensive metabolic panel

How Is an ALT Blood Test Conducted?

The ALT blood test is a simple procedure that involves drawing a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The process typically takes only a few minutes and requires no special preparation. However, it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about any medications you’re taking, as some may affect the test results.

Normal ALT Levels: What’s Considered Healthy?

Understanding what constitutes normal ALT levels is crucial for interpreting test results. Normal ALT ranges can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the specific testing method used.

What Are the Normal ALT Ranges?

Generally, normal ALT levels are:

• For adult males: 7 to 56 units per liter (U/L)
• For adult females: 7 to 45 U/L

It’s important to note that these ranges may differ for children, older adults, and individuals with certain medical conditions. Always consult with your healthcare provider for the most accurate interpretation of your results.

High ALT Levels: Causes and Implications

Elevated ALT levels often indicate liver damage or disease. Understanding the potential causes of high ALT can help guide further diagnostic steps and treatment options.

What Can Cause Elevated ALT Levels?

Several factors can lead to increased ALT levels:

1. Hepatitis (viral or alcoholic)
2. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
3. Cirrhosis
4. Liver cancer
5. Certain medications
6. Excessive alcohol consumption
7. Obesity
8. Muscular injuries or diseases

Are High ALT Levels Always Indicative of Liver Disease?

While elevated ALT levels often suggest liver issues, they don’t always indicate severe liver disease. Temporary increases can occur due to strenuous exercise, certain medications, or even pregnancy. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider ALT results in conjunction with other diagnostic tests and clinical symptoms for a comprehensive evaluation.

Low ALT Levels: What They Mean and When to Be Concerned

While high ALT levels often receive more attention, low ALT levels can also provide valuable insights into a person’s health status.

Can ALT Levels Be Too Low?

Generally, low ALT levels are not considered a significant health concern. In fact, lower ALT levels are often associated with longevity and overall good health. However, extremely low ALT levels may sometimes indicate underlying health issues.

What Might Cause Low ALT Levels?

Potential causes of low ALT levels include:

• Vitamin B6 deficiency
• Kidney dialysis
• Severe liver damage (in advanced stages)
• Certain genetic conditions

If your ALT levels are consistently very low, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing to rule out any underlying conditions.

Direct vs. Indirect Bilirubin: Understanding the Difference

While ALT tests focus on liver enzyme levels, bilirubin tests are another crucial component of liver function assessment. Understanding the difference between direct and indirect bilirubin can provide valuable insights into liver health and function.

What Is Bilirubin?

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. The liver processes bilirubin and excretes it through bile. Bilirubin tests measure the levels of this pigment in the blood.

How Do Direct and Indirect Bilirubin Differ?

Bilirubin exists in two forms:

• Direct (conjugated) bilirubin: This is bilirubin that has been processed by the liver and is ready for excretion.
• Indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin: This is unprocessed bilirubin that circulates in the blood before reaching the liver.

Measuring both forms can help diagnose various liver and bile duct conditions, as well as certain types of anemia.

Interpreting ALT Test Results: What Your Numbers Mean

Interpreting ALT test results requires consideration of various factors, including age, gender, overall health status, and the presence of other symptoms or conditions.

How Are ALT Results Interpreted?

ALT results are typically interpreted as follows:

• Normal: Within the reference range for your age and gender
• Mildly elevated: 1-3 times the upper limit of normal
• Moderately elevated: 3-20 times the upper limit of normal
• Severely elevated: More than 20 times the upper limit of normal

What Steps Follow Abnormal ALT Results?

If your ALT levels are abnormal, your healthcare provider may recommend:

1. Repeat testing to confirm results
2. Additional liver function tests
3. Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI)
4. Lifestyle modifications
5. Further investigation into potential causes
6. Treatment for underlying conditions if identified

ALT Tests and Liver Health: Prevention and Maintenance

Understanding the importance of ALT tests in liver health can motivate individuals to take proactive steps in maintaining optimal liver function.

How Can You Maintain Healthy ALT Levels?

Several lifestyle factors can help maintain healthy ALT levels and overall liver function:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet
• Avoid exposure to toxins
• Manage underlying health conditions
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B

When Should You Consider Regular ALT Testing?

Regular ALT testing may be recommended for individuals who:

• Have a family history of liver disease
• Are overweight or obese
• Have diabetes or metabolic syndrome
• Consume alcohol regularly
• Take medications that can affect liver function
• Have been exposed to hepatitis viruses

Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if regular ALT testing is appropriate for your individual health needs.

Beyond ALT: Other Important Liver Function Tests

While ALT tests are crucial for assessing liver health, they are often part of a broader panel of liver function tests. Understanding these additional tests can provide a more comprehensive picture of liver health and function.

What Other Tests Complement ALT in Liver Function Assessment?

Common liver function tests that are often performed alongside ALT include:

• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
• Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)
• Albumin
• Prothrombin time (PT)
• Total protein

How Do These Tests Work Together?

Each of these tests provides unique insights into different aspects of liver function. For example:

• AST and ALT together can help differentiate between various types of liver damage
• ALP and GGT can indicate bile duct issues
• Albumin and total protein levels reflect the liver’s ability to synthesize proteins
• PT assesses the liver’s role in blood clotting

By analyzing these tests collectively, healthcare providers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of liver health and function.

ALT Tests in Special Populations: Considerations and Variations

ALT test results and their interpretation can vary among different populations, including children, pregnant women, and older adults. Understanding these variations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

How Do ALT Levels Differ in Children?

ALT levels in children can vary significantly based on age and gender. Generally, the upper limit of normal ALT in children is lower than in adults. Specific reference ranges should be used when interpreting ALT results in pediatric patients.

What About ALT Tests During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy can affect ALT levels, with slight elevations being common, especially in the third trimester. However, significant elevations may indicate pregnancy-related liver conditions such as preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. Close monitoring and interpretation by healthcare providers experienced in obstetric medicine is crucial.

How Do ALT Levels Change with Age?

ALT levels tend to decrease with age, particularly in men. This decline is thought to be related to the reduction in muscle mass that occurs with aging. As a result, slightly lower ALT levels in older adults may not necessarily indicate liver problems.

The Future of Liver Function Testing: Emerging Technologies and Approaches

As medical science advances, new technologies and approaches are being developed to enhance liver function testing and provide more accurate and comprehensive assessments of liver health.

What New Technologies Are Being Developed for Liver Function Testing?

Emerging technologies in liver function testing include:

• Non-invasive imaging techniques like elastography
• Advanced biomarker panels
• Genetic testing for liver disease susceptibility
• Artificial intelligence-assisted interpretation of test results

How Might These Advancements Improve Liver Health Assessment?

These new technologies and approaches have the potential to:

• Provide earlier detection of liver diseases
• Offer more precise diagnoses
• Enable personalized treatment strategies
• Reduce the need for invasive procedures like liver biopsies
• Improve monitoring of liver health over time

While many of these technologies are still in development or early stages of implementation, they hold promise for significantly advancing our ability to assess and maintain liver health in the future.

High vs. Low Levels, Direct vs. Indirect

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Why Do You Get This Test?
• What Happens During the Test?
• Who Should Get It? Who Shouldn’t?
• What Do the Results Mean?

A bilirubin test measures the amount of bilirubin in your blood. It’s used to help find the cause of health conditions like jaundice, anemia, and liver disease.

Bilirubin is an orange-yellow pigment that occurs normally when part of your red blood cells break down. Your liver takes the bilirubin from your blood and changes its chemical make-up so that most of it is passed through your poop as bile.

If your bilirubin levels are higher than normal, it’s a sign that either your red blood cells are breaking down at an unusual rate or that your liver isn’t breaking down waste properly and clearing the bilirubin from your blood.

Another option is that there’s a problem somewhere along the pathway that gets the bilirubin out of your liver and into your stool.

In children and adults, doctors use it to diagnose and monitor liver and bile duct diseases. These include cirrhosis, hepatitis, and gallstones.

It’ll also help determine if you have sickle cell disease or other conditions that cause hemolytic anemia. That’s a disorder where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they’re made.

High levels of bilirubin can cause a yellowing of your skin and eyes, a condition doctors call jaundice.

High bilirubin levels are common in newborns. Doctors use the age of the newborn and the bilirubin type and levels to determine if treatment is necessary.

A nurse or lab technician will draw blood through a small needle inserted into a vein in your arm. The blood is collected in a tube.

With newborns, blood is usually drawn by using a needle to break the skin of the heel.

Your doctor will send the blood to a lab for analysis.

Before the test, tell your doctor about how active you’ve been and what food and medicines you’ve taken. Certain medications may alter your results.

After the test, you’ll be able to continue with your normal activities right away.

Your doctor may order a bilirubin test if you:

• Show signs of jaundice
• Have anemia, or low red blood cells
• Might be having a toxic reaction to drugs
• Have a history of heavy drinking
• Have been exposed to hepatitis viruses
• Have cirrhosis

You might also have your bilirubin tested if you have symptoms like:

• Dark urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain or abdominal swelling
• Clay-colored stools
• Fatigue

A bilirubin test measures total bilirubin. It can also give levels of two different types of bilirubin: unconjugated and conjugated.

Unconjugated (“indirect”) bilirubin. This is the bilirubin created from red blood cell breakdown. It travels in the blood to the liver.

Conjugated (“direct”) bilirubin. This is the bilirubin once it reaches the liver and undergoes a chemical change. It moves to the intestines before being removed through your stool.

For adults over 18, normal total bilirubin can be up to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) of blood. For those under 18, the normal level will be will be 1 mg/dl. Normal results for conjugated (direct) bilirubin should be less than 0.3 mg/dl.

Men tend to have slightly higher bilirubin levels than women. African-Americans tend to have lower bilirubin levels than people of other races.

High total bilirubin may be caused by:

• Anemia
• Cirrhosis
• A reaction to a blood transfusion
• Gilbert syndrome — a common, inherited condition in which there is a deficiency of an enzyme that helps to break down bilirubin.
• Viral hepatitis
• A reaction to drugs
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Gallstones

Very strenuous exercise, such as marathon running, can increase your bilirubin levels.

Caffeine, penicillin, barbiturates, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) called salicylates all lower your bilirubin levels.

Lower-than-normal levels of bilirubin aren’t a problem.

In newborns, high bilirubin levels that don’t level out in a few days to 2 weeks may be a sign of:

• Blood type incompatibility between mother and child
• Lack of oxygen
• An inherited infection
• A disease affecting the liver

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Alkaline Phosphatase Test (ALP): High vs. Low Levels

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Why Would I Get This Test?
• How Is the Test Done?
• How Do I Prepare?
• What Do My Results Mean?

Alkaline phosphatase is one kind of enzyme found in your body. Enzymes are proteins that help chemical reactions happen. For instance, they can break big molecules down into smaller parts, or they can help smaller molecules join together to form bigger structures.

You have alkaline phosphatase throughout your body, including your liver, digestive system, kidneys, and bones.

If you show signs of liver disease or a bone disorder, your doctor may order an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test to measure the amount of the enzyme in your blood and help in diagnosing the problem. Sometimes it’s part of a broader group of tests called a routine liver or hepatic panel, which checks how your liver is working.

If your liver isn’t working right, the amount of ALP in your blood may be high. Doctors often use the test to look for blocked bile ducts. Other conditions that can cause problems with your liver include:

• Liver cancer
• Cirrhosis
• Hepatitis
• Blockage in the bile ducts

The test can also spot problems with your bones, including:

• Cancers that have spread to your bones
• Paget’s disease, which affects how bones grow
• Issues caused by vitamin D deficiency

The lab will need a small amount of blood to perform the test.

The person in charge of taking your blood will start by placing a tight elastic band, called a tourniquet, around your upper arm. This makes your veins swell with blood.

The lab tech will clean an area of your skin with a germ-killing solution. (It might be a spot inside your elbow or the back of your hand). You’ll feel a small stick when the needle goes into your vein. The blood flows into a small vial attached to the needle.

When the test is done, the lab tech will take the tourniquet off, and you’ll get a bandage on the spot where the needle went in. It takes only a few minutes.

Taking blood samples is usually very safe. Some things that might happen after the test include a bruise at the spot where the needle went in, and a little dizziness. There’s also a slight chance of infection.

You may have to limit food and liquids for several hours before the test. Some medicines interfere with the results, so make sure your doctor knows about all drugs you take, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.

Be sure to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, because that will increase the level of ALP in your blood.

It generally takes 1-2 days for results to come back from the lab.

Higher-than-normal ALP levels for your age and sex may not necessarily mean you have a problem. (Children and teens naturally have higher levels than adults because their bones are still developing).

If your ALP level is high, your doctor may have you take another test, called an ALP isoenzyme test, to determine whether the alkaline phosphatase in your blood is coming from your liver or your bones.

Low levels of ALP indicate a deficiency in zinc and magnesium but can also be an indicator of a rare genetic disease called hypophosphatasia (HPP), which affects bones and teeth.

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ALT (ALT, Alanine aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, SGPT, Alanine aminotransferase)

Alanine aminotransferase (AlAT, ALT) is an intracellular enzyme, the content of which in the blood of healthy people is low. It is mainly found in the cells of the liver, myocardium, skeletal muscles, pancreas. When cells containing ALT are damaged or destroyed, the enzyme is released into the bloodstream, and its concentration in the blood increases.

Determination of the level of alanine aminotransferase is carried out for the diagnosis of liver diseases and dynamic monitoring of their treatment. The analysis is performed for suspected acute or chronic hepatitis of viral or toxic etiology, cirrhosis of the liver, primary tumors, or metastatic liver disease.

The growth of alanine aminotransferase in the blood in hepatitis is noted much earlier than the onset of the icteric stage, which makes it possible to identify the pathology at the initial stage.

As part of a screening examination (preventive examination of persons who do not have complaints) to assess the state of the liver, before planned hospitalization and surgical treatment, an analysis for ALT is prescribed together with another enzyme – AsAT (aspartate aminotransferase).

The level of ALT together with other enzymes is evaluated in diseases of the pancreas and gallbladder – pancreatitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis; if there are complaints of unexplained general weakness, fatigue, yellowness of the skin and sclera, abdominal pain, including a feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting.

In addition, the ALT level is taken into account in myocardial infarction and myocarditis, although in cases of heart damage it is only of secondary importance. The study is prescribed for suspected myositis, myodystrophy, when complaints of muscle pain cannot be explained by injuries or excessive physical activity.

Donation is a mandatory reason for testing for ALT.

ALT values ​​are assessed in any chronic disease, before prescribing drug therapy, for example, antitumor, anti-tuberculosis drugs, to assess the initial state of the liver and over time to assess drug tolerance.

Preparation for procedure

It is better to take the test in the morning on an empty stomach (after an 8-14 hour break after the last meal).

Drinking water is allowed.

If necessary, it is permissible to donate blood 4-6 hours after a light meal.

On the eve it is desirable to avoid physical and emotional overload, overeating.

Avoid drinking alcohol 5-6 days before the test.

Avoid smoking 30 minutes before blood sampling.

Deadline

The survey is completed within one business day.

What can affect the results

Intense physical activity the day before and even a few days before the test can lead to damage to muscle tissue (the so-called tear of muscle fibers) and, accordingly, an increase in the level of ALT. For the same reason, the analysis given after the injury is not informative.

Taking alcohol, certain drugs (antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticancer drugs, oral contraceptives, etc.) often distort the result of the study. The list of medications taken should be discussed with the doctor who ordered the analysis, cancel those that are possible – without risk to health.

ALT (ALT, Alanine aminotransferase, alanine transaminase)

For research, blood is taken from a vein. Usually, ASAT (AST, Aspartate aminotransferase) is determined simultaneously and the ratio of ASAT / AlAT (de Ritis coefficient) is estimated.

You can take a blood test for ALT (ALT, Alanine aminotransferase, alanine transaminase) at the nearest INVITRO medical office. The list of offices where biomaterial is accepted for laboratory testing is presented in the “Addresses” section.

Interpretation of test results contains information for the attending physician and is not a diagnosis. The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. An accurate diagnosis is made by the doctor, using both the results of this examination and the necessary information from other sources: history, results of other examinations, etc.

Normal

Units of measure: U/l.

Reference values ​​

Explanation of indicators

The level of ALT depends on the age and sex of the patient. Minor deviations from the norm, as a rule, do not require drug therapy, and the recommendations associated with them, such as rational nutrition, avoidance of alcohol, etc. should be discussed with your doctor.

The AST/ALAT ratio (de Ritis ratio) is normally between 0.91 and 1.75.

What do low readings mean

A significant decrease in the level of ALT can be detected in severe liver damage, for example, in the terminal stage of liver cirrhosis, when the number of liver cells is significantly reduced.

What do increased indicators mean

First of all, with an increase in ALT, liver problems should be suspected: fatty hepatosis, hepatitis of viral or toxic etiology, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer – primary or metastatic.

The degree of increase in ALT is usually associated with the extent or severity of liver damage, but cannot be considered as a determining factor for the prognosis of the disease. The maximum levels of ALT (and AST) – more than a hundred times higher than the norm, are observed in patients with acute viral and drug-induced hepatitis.

A significant increase in alanine aminotransferase can be observed in acute cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, and acute destructive pancreatitis. Another reason may be the use of hepatotoxic drugs that damage liver cells.

An increase in the level of ALT is detected with extensive injuries of the skeletal muscles, severe myositis and myodystrophy, frequent intramuscular injections.

A less significant increase in ALT is recorded in acute myocardial infarction and myocarditis.

Additional examination in case of deviation of the indicator from the norm

If a change (often an increase) in the level of ALT is detected, patients are consulted

general practitioners

,

gastroenterologists

, hepatologists, infectious disease specialists.

To clarify the diagnosis, in addition to ALT, other liver enzymes (AST, gamma-HT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin), clinical blood counts, and markers of viral hepatitis, primarily hepatitis B and hepatitis C, are usually examined.

An ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs is performed, according to indications – computed tomography (CT) with contrast.

If damage to the skeletal muscles is suspected, the CPK enzyme is additionally examined and a rheumatologist is consulted.

If a heart muscle disorder is suspected, a cardiologist should be consulted. Usually the doctor prescribes additional electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, blood test for CF-CF, troponin I.

O.P. The role of new reference values ​​of alanine aminotransferase in the diagnosis of various forms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with metabolic syndrome. Journal of Biomedical Technologies № 1. 2015. P. 9-15.

Clinical guidelines “Liver cancer (hepatocellular)”. Developed by: Association of Oncologists of Russia, Russian Society of Clinical Oncology, Russian Society of Radiologists and Radiologists. – 2020.

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.
For a correct assessment of the results of your analyzes in dynamics, it is preferable to do studies in the same laboratory, since different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement to perform the same analyzes.

Biochemical blood test

Biochemical blood test (BAC) is one of the most informative tests that gives an idea about the work of the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, other organs, lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, the balance of microelements.

Analyzes

Total bilirubin

1 day

from 125 ₽

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0003

from 125 ₽

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Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

1 day

from 125 ₽

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LHC can be prescribed by any doctor, because with each disease it is important to see the big picture. For preventive purposes, blood biochemistry is done once a year, during pregnancy – in the 1st and 3rd trimesters with a normal course, and more often – with ailments and complaints of a woman about her well-being.

Test indications

• complaints of malaise;
• any disease;
• assessment of the state after therapy;
• preventive examination.

Blood chemistry tests

During a biochemical analysis, the blood sugar, urea, total lipids, low and high density cholesterol, triglycerides, total bilirubin, total protein, AsAt, AlAt enzymes, lipase, amylase, gamma-GTP and other indicators are determined. Each of the indicators may indicate the normal operation of an organ, system, or a deviation from the norm.

It should be remembered that blood biochemistry is a primary diagnosis, an assessment of a person’s overall health. Its results can only be interpreted by an experienced specialist. According to the indicators of the BAC, the doctor prescribes special tests if there are suspicions of a disease or pathology of organs.

Biochemical analysis of blood a large number of tested items. Next, we will talk about the main ones.

Further in the text are the norms of the research, WHICH ARE INFORMATIONAL CHARACTER. In all laboratories, the norms, units of measurement may differ, as well as THEY DEPEND on the sex and age of the patient. BE CAREFUL!

Specific proteins and inflammatory markers

More than 20 plasma proteins are called specific proteins and markers of inflammation, the concentration of which indicates the development of acute inflammation or tissue damage.

C-reactive protein

CRP is one of the most sensitive markers of acute inflammation and tissue damage. It appears in the blood serum and rapidly increases in volume when:

• various inflammations;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• parasitic, viral, bacterial infections;
• systemic rheumatic diseases;
• metastases of cancerous tumors;
• tissue damage, including acute myocardial infarction;
• neonatal sepsis;
• meningitis;
• tuberculosis;
• burns;
• taking oral contraceptives, estrogens.

According to the above list, it is clear that the indicator has low specificity, therefore, with its high rates, narrower studies are immediately prescribed if the reason for the increase is unknown.

The CRP indicator is used to determine the success of therapy: if the treatment gives a result, the protein returns to normal after 6-10 days

Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP)

ESR rises when:

• atopic bronchial asthma;
• allergic rhinitis;
• atopic dermatitis;
• food allergies;
• helminthiasis;
• acute respiratory infections;
• malignant diseases with activation of eosinophils;
• taking certain medications.

Rheumatoid factor

Rheumatoid factor is a protein produced by the human immune system. An increase in the rate of the RF may indicate rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, chronic infections of a bacterial, viral, parasitic nature, some types of oncology, diseases of the kidneys, liver, and lungs.

Myoglobin

The concentration of myoglobin increases if the myocardium or skeletal muscles are damaged. Normally, its concentration is not determined in the laboratory – so little myoglobin is contained in the blood of a healthy person, from 0 to 70 mcg / l.

Troponin I

Tn I is a heart muscle protein that enters the bloodstream during myocardial infarction. It is one of the most sensitive and specific indicators for damage to the heart muscle. After a heart attack, after about 3 hours, the level of Tn I in the blood rises significantly and remains so for up to 14 days.

Creatine kinase MB

KK-MB is a cell enzyme that is used as a specific and sensitive indicator of myocardial damage.

CK-MB is located almost in its entirety in the heart muscle, therefore its content in the bloodstream is negligibly small. If it increases, then the likelihood of acute heart attack, recurrent heart attack and other pathological processes associated with the heart is high.

NT-proBNP

NT-proBNP is a protein of the left ventricle of the heart. A change in its level may indicate heart failure, its severity. The level of this protein also evaluates the effectiveness of heart failure therapy.

The norm for people under 75 years old is 0-125 pg / ml, over 75 years old – up to 450 pg / ml.

Antistreptolysin-O (ASLO)

ASLO is a marker of streptococcal infection. Its increase is caused by angina, scarlet fever, chronic tonsillitis, acute glomerulonephritis, streptococcal pyoderma.

Procalcitonin

Procalcitonin rises in the blood during bacterial infections, sepsis, septic shock, multiple organ failure, and some other serious conditions.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes include chlorine, sodium, and potassium. They play an important role in metabolic processes, maintain the level of acidity, water balance. The level of electrolytes is the most important characteristic of human health, an indicator of the functionality of the heart and kidneys.

Abnormalities in kidney function, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, pathologies and disorders in the functioning of muscles and the nervous system lead to deviations from the norm. If the electrolyte imbalance is not stabilized by eliminating its causes, the person will experience dizziness, convulsions, and irregular heartbeats. In especially advanced cases, an electrolyte imbalance leads to death.

Lipid metabolism

The LHC shows the level of fats and allows you to assess the risk of occurrence, development of heart and vascular diseases. During testing, the level of triglycerides, cholesterol – total, LDL, HDL is checked.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides grow in diabetes, heart and vascular pathologies, pregnancy; decrease in case of disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland, at the terminal stage of liver damage, if a person eats poorly, monotonously.

Cholesterol

• HDL (“good cholesterol”). Participates in the processing and removal of fats from the body. If the values ​​are high, then the risk of formation of vascular plaques decreases. The norm is 1.03–1.55 mmol / l.
• LDL (“bad cholesterol”). Normally – 0-3.3 mmol / l – it is necessary for the body. Exceeding the norm threatens the development of atherosclerosis.
• Total (composed of HDL and LDL). The norm is 5.2 mmol/l. A decrease against the norm leads to psychophysiological disorders, reproductive dysfunction. Elevated levels can cause diabetes, atherosclerosis.

Carbohydrate metabolism

During the LHC, glucose and fructosamine levels are examined. An increase in their level can occur with diabetes mellitus, a decrease in pancreatic tumors, when taking insulin.

• the norm for glucose is 3.3-5.5 mmol / l;
• the norm for fructosamine is up to 285 µmol / l.

Pigments

During the LHC, the level of bilirubin is set – total (yellow), direct, indirect.

• General. Normally – 3.4-17.1 µmol / l, an increase occurs in pathologies, liver diseases, and disruption of its work.
• Straight. Normally – up to 7.9 µmol / l, an increase indicates pathologies of the liver, biliary tract.
• Indirect . Its indicators are calculated, depend on direct and total bilirubin. An increase in indirect bilirubin is often associated with anemia, malaria.

Iron

Serum iron is one of the most important indicators of health. It transports and deposits oxygen, participates in hematopoiesis, and is part of many proteins and enzymes. Especially carefully you need to monitor the level of iron in children, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, the elderly, those who experience high physical exertion, suffer from chronic bleeding.
A decrease in the level of iron occurs with malnutrition, heavy blood loss, non-assimilation of iron, and an increased need for it.

Enzymes

1. Liver tests. The standard set of LHC indicators includes the so-called. “liver tests” – ASAT, ALT. Changes in the norm can signal diseases, pathologies of the liver, heart, inflammation and infections.

• The AST norm is up to 31 U/l in women, up to 37 U/l in men.
• The ALT norm is up to 34 U/l in women, up to 45 U/l in men.

2. Amylase – digestive juice enzyme. An increase in its level occurs in acute, chronic pancreatitis, other diseases (including tumors) affecting the pancreas.

• Amylase rate – 28-100 U / l.

3. Pancreatic amylase – P-type amylase. An increase in the level of P-type amylase occurs when the pancreatic duct is blocked by a tumor, stone, and in some other cases.

4. Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme that provides energy for muscle contraction. In the blood, it is present in different isomers. By increasing the concentration of individual isomers, an assumption is made about damage to muscles, myocardium, and oncological diseases.

5. L ipaza — digestive juice enzyme. A change in the norm indicates problems with the pancreas.

6. Vitamins . The standard BAC determines the concentration of vitamin B12. It is necessary, first of all, for hematopoiesis. An increase in the level of B12 occurs with diseases of the kidneys, liver, leukemia, a decrease in vegetarianism, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and parasitic infections. The vitamin norm is from 208 to 963.5 pg / ml. The BAC may include a test for the content of vitamins of group D. Deficiency of this vitamin is experienced by up to 60% of people around the world. Vitamin deficiency is expressed in rickets (children), muscle weakness, pain in the pelvic bones, lower back, legs. With vitamin intoxication (uncontrolled intake of vitamin-containing complexes), headaches, nausea, vomiting, a metallic taste in the mouth, acute pancreatitis, nephro- and arteriolocalcinosis occur.

• The norm for vitamin D2 is 0. 8-7 ng / ml, for vitamin D3 – 2.2-42.6 ng / ml.

Rules for preparing for analysis and passing the LHC

Many factors affect blood counts: food (including drinking water), habits, physical and mental state, bathing, medications, alcohol, smoking, etc. Therefore, to obtain accurate data, several requirements must be met:

• donate blood on an empty stomach, from 8 to 11 am (all laboratory indicators are calculated for this time, they change over the course of the day). Even water is recommended not to drink whenever possible. At least 8 hours should have passed since the last meal, ideally 12 hours;
• the day before, and preferably a few days before, you should give up heavy, fatty, fried foods, strong tea, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and other foods that can change the functioning of the liver, kidneys, pancreas;
• a day before the analysis, avoid physical, psychological overload, do not visit the bathhouse, solarium, do not do x-rays, fluorography, physiotherapy, ultrasound;
• a day before the analysis, refrain from taking medications.