Biochemistry
The biochemical profile is a series of blood tests used to evaluate the functional capacity of several critical organs and systems, such as the liver and kidneys. These tests can be done on an empty stomach or not and are usually accompanied by a complete blood count (CBC).
Biochemistry combines analytical chemistry with aspects of physiology, physical chemistry, pathophysiology and diagnostic medicine. Diagnostic Clinical Biochemistry uses biochemical knowledge and techniques to diagnose human disease, follow its progress, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. The scope of investigations varies from assessment of organ function and endocrine glands to therapeutic drug monitoring.
Tests
- Diabetes: level of glucose (blood sugar) and HbA1c reflex panel in cases of high blood sugar (non-fasting assessment)
- Renal function: urea, creatinine, eGFR (calculation of glomerular filtration rate), uric acid, phosphorus
- Gout: uric acid
- Bone health, parathyroid gland function, vitamin D status: calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
- Risk of cardiovascular disease: cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B (if triglyceride level is too high)
- Liver and bile duct function: total bilirubin, ALP, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), albumin
- Hemolytic disorders: total and direct bilirubin (if necessary)
- Adrenal gland function, dehydration, oedema, hypertension, blood pH abnormalities, etc.: Na, K, Cl
- Nutritional status and bone marrow function: proteins, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, LDH