This is a thorough test that checks for various conditions by analyzing your blood levels of electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, glucose, and more. It helps in assessing your kidney and liver function, as well as your body's acid-base balance. This test is often part of a routine health check-up to spot any disorders, particularly those affecting the liver or kidneys.
What does this test measure?
- Sodium: Helps maintain water distribution and pressure in the body.
- Potassium: Crucial for muscle and nerve function.
- Chloride: Maintains body fluid volume and acidity.
- Carbon Dioxide (Bicarbonate): Assesses acid-base balance.
- Glucose: The body's main energy source.
- Calcium & Adjusted Calcium: Vital for nerve, muscle, and heart functions.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Indicates protein metabolism and kidney function.
- Creatinine & eGFR: Evaluates kidney function.
- Phosphate (Phosphorus): Essential for energy production and bone formation.
- Albumin: Prevents fluid leakage from the blood.
- Total Bilirubin: Helps diagnose liver and metabolic disorders.
- Total Protein: Indicates liver, kidney, or bone marrow disorders.
- Alkaline Phosphatase: Helps diagnose liver and bone diseases.
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) & Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): Enzymes that indicate liver and heart health.
Who might need this test?
This panel is recommended for individuals undergoing a health examination, especially if there's a concern about liver or kidney health.
What type of sample is required?
1 mL of plasma collected in a lithium heparin (green-top) tube is needed for this test.