What is a normal ALT blood test result. How do high and low levels differ. What is the difference between direct and indirect bilirubin. When should you get an ALT test. What do the results mean for your health.

What Is an ALT Blood Test and Why Is It Important?

An ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) blood test, often confused with a bilirubin test, is a crucial diagnostic tool used to assess liver function. While both tests provide valuable insights into liver health, they measure different aspects. The ALT test specifically measures the levels of the enzyme alanine aminotransferase in your blood, which is primarily found in liver cells. When liver cells are damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream, making it an excellent indicator of liver health.

The importance of an ALT blood test lies in its ability to:

• Detect liver damage or disease
• Monitor the progression of liver conditions
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for liver disorders
• Screen for potential liver problems in individuals at risk

Normal ALT Levels: What’s the Benchmark?

Understanding what constitutes normal ALT levels is crucial for interpreting test results. However, it’s important to note that “normal” can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the specific testing method used. Generally, normal ALT levels are:

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

These ranges may differ for children and adolescents. It’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider for the most accurate interpretation of your results.

Factors Influencing ALT Levels

Several factors can affect ALT levels, even in healthy individuals:

• Age
• Gender
• Body mass index (BMI)
• Exercise habits
• Certain medications

Understanding these factors helps healthcare providers contextualize ALT test results and make more accurate diagnoses.

High ALT Levels: Causes and Implications

Elevated ALT levels often indicate liver damage or disease. But what exactly constitutes “high” ALT levels? Generally, ALT levels above 50 U/L for men and 35 U/L for women are considered elevated. However, the degree of elevation can provide additional insights into the underlying cause.

Common causes of high ALT levels include:

• Hepatitis (viral, alcoholic, or autoimmune)
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Cirrhosis
• Liver cancer
• Certain medications (e.g., acetaminophen, statins)
• Alcohol abuse

The implications of high ALT levels can range from mild, temporary liver inflammation to severe, chronic liver disease. Prompt investigation and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent further liver damage.

Low ALT Levels: Should You Be Concerned?

While high ALT levels often grab more attention, low ALT levels can also provide valuable health insights. ALT levels below the normal range (typically less than 7 U/L) are considered low. But are low ALT levels a cause for concern?

In most cases, low ALT levels are not a significant health concern. They may simply reflect individual variations or result from:

• Vitamin B6 deficiency
• Kidney dialysis
• Advanced liver disease (where liver cells are severely damaged and unable to produce ALT)

However, persistently low ALT levels, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions.

Direct vs Indirect Bilirubin: Understanding the Difference

While not directly related to ALT, understanding bilirubin levels is crucial for a comprehensive assessment of liver function. Bilirubin, a yellowish pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells, exists in two forms: direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin.

Direct Bilirubin

Direct bilirubin is the form that has been processed by the liver and is ready to be excreted from the body. Normal levels of direct bilirubin are typically less than 0.3 mg/dL. Elevated direct bilirubin levels may indicate:

• Liver disease
• Bile duct obstruction
• Certain genetic disorders

Indirect Bilirubin

Indirect bilirubin is the form that has not yet been processed by the liver. Normal total bilirubin levels (which include both direct and indirect) should be less than 1.2 mg/dL for adults. Elevated indirect bilirubin levels may suggest:

• Hemolytic anemia
• Gilbert’s syndrome
• Crigler-Najjar syndrome

Understanding the balance between direct and indirect bilirubin can provide valuable insights into liver function and help diagnose various conditions affecting bilirubin metabolism.

When Should You Get an ALT Test?

Knowing when to get an ALT test is crucial for early detection and management of liver problems. Your healthcare provider may recommend an ALT test if you:

• Have symptoms of liver disease (e.g., jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue)
• Have a history of liver disease or are at high risk
• Are taking medications that can affect liver function
• Have been exposed to hepatitis viruses
• Consume alcohol heavily
• Are being monitored for an existing liver condition

Regular ALT testing may also be part of routine health screenings, especially for individuals with risk factors for liver disease.

Preparing for an ALT Test

Preparing for an ALT test is typically straightforward. However, to ensure accurate results:

• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you’re taking
• Follow any fasting instructions provided by your doctor
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test
• Discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider

Interpreting ALT Test Results: What Do They Mean for Your Health?

Interpreting ALT test results requires considering various factors, including age, gender, overall health, and other test results. Here’s a general guide to understanding ALT test results:

• Normal ALT levels: Generally indicate a healthy liver
• Mildly elevated ALT levels (1-3 times the upper limit of normal): May suggest mild liver inflammation or early-stage liver disease
• Moderately elevated ALT levels (3-20 times the upper limit of normal): Often indicate active liver disease or injury
• Severely elevated ALT levels (more than 20 times the upper limit of normal): Usually signify severe acute liver damage

It’s important to note that ALT levels alone don’t provide a complete picture of liver health. Your healthcare provider will consider ALT results alongside other liver function tests, your medical history, and any symptoms you’re experiencing to make an accurate diagnosis.

ALT Test Results and Liver Disease Progression

ALT levels can provide valuable insights into the progression of liver disease:

• Fluctuating ALT levels: May indicate ongoing liver inflammation or damage
• Steadily increasing ALT levels: Could suggest worsening liver disease
• Decreasing ALT levels: May indicate improvement in liver health or response to treatment
• Very low ALT levels in advanced liver disease: May reflect severe liver damage with reduced ability to produce ALT

Regular monitoring of ALT levels can help track the progression of liver disease and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.

Beyond ALT: Other Important Liver Function Tests

While ALT is a crucial marker of liver health, it’s often part of a broader panel of liver function tests. Understanding these complementary tests can provide a more comprehensive picture of liver health:

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

AST is another enzyme found in liver cells. Like ALT, elevated AST levels can indicate liver damage. The AST/ALT ratio can provide additional diagnostic information:

• AST/ALT ratio < 1: Suggests viral hepatitis or fatty liver disease
• AST/ALT ratio > 2: Often indicates alcoholic liver disease

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

ALP is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver and bones. Elevated ALP levels may indicate:

• Bile duct obstruction
• Certain liver diseases
• Bone disorders

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)

GGT is sensitive to alcohol consumption and certain medications. Elevated GGT levels can suggest:

• Alcohol abuse
• Bile duct problems
• Pancreatic disease

These tests, along with ALT, provide a comprehensive assessment of liver function and can help diagnose various liver conditions more accurately.

Lifestyle Factors Affecting ALT Levels: What You Can Control

While some factors affecting ALT levels are beyond our control, several lifestyle choices can significantly impact liver health and ALT levels:

Diet and Nutrition

A healthy, balanced diet can support liver function and help maintain normal ALT levels:

• Limit processed foods and saturated fats
• Increase intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay hydrated with plenty of water
• Consider foods known for liver support, such as garlic, turmeric, and leafy greens

Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular exercise can help improve liver health and maintain healthy ALT levels:

• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week
• Include both cardiovascular exercise and strength training
• Be consistent with your exercise routine

Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol intake can significantly damage the liver and elevate ALT levels:

• Limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels (up to one drink per day for women, up to two for men)
• Consider abstaining from alcohol if you have existing liver issues
• Be aware of hidden sources of alcohol in certain foods and medications

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for liver health:

• Aim for a BMI within the healthy range (18.5-24.9)
• Lose weight gradually if overweight or obese
• Focus on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than crash diets

By addressing these lifestyle factors, you can positively influence your ALT levels and overall liver health.

ALT Testing in Special Populations: Children, Pregnant Women, and the Elderly

ALT testing and interpretation can vary for different population groups. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment:

ALT Testing in Children

ALT levels in children can differ from adult norms:

• Normal ranges may vary depending on age and gender
• Interpretation should consider growth and developmental factors
• Pediatric liver diseases may present differently than in adults

ALT Testing During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can affect ALT levels and their interpretation:

• ALT levels may naturally decrease during pregnancy
• Elevated ALT levels may indicate pregnancy-specific liver conditions like HELLP syndrome
• Careful monitoring is essential to distinguish between normal changes and potential liver issues

ALT Testing in the Elderly

Aging can impact ALT levels and liver function:

• ALT levels may naturally decrease with age
• Interpretation should consider age-related changes in liver function
• Medications common in older adults may affect ALT levels

Healthcare providers must consider these population-specific factors when interpreting ALT test results and making treatment decisions.

Future Directions in Liver Function Testing: Beyond ALT

While ALT remains a valuable tool in assessing liver health, ongoing research is exploring new methods to enhance liver function testing:

Non-Invasive Imaging Techniques

Advanced imaging technologies are being developed to assess liver health without the need for blood tests:

• Fibroscan: Uses ultrasound technology to measure liver stiffness
• Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE): Combines MRI with sound waves to create a visual map of liver stiffness
• Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound: Uses microbubble contrast agents to visualize liver blood flow and detect lesions

Genetic Markers

Researchers are identifying genetic markers that may predict liver disease risk and progression:

• PNPLA3 gene variants: Associated with increased risk of fatty liver disease
• HFE gene mutations: Linked to hereditary hemochromatosis, which can cause liver damage
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency genes: Can lead to liver disease in some individuals

Metabolomic Profiling

This emerging field studies the unique chemical fingerprints left by cellular processes:

• May provide earlier detection of liver disease than traditional tests
• Could offer insights into disease progression and treatment response
• Has potential for personalized medicine approaches in liver health

These advancements promise to complement ALT testing, providing a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of 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.