Table of contents:
- Definition of a blood chemistry test
- When should I have a blood chemistry test?
- Precautions and warnings
- Blood chemistry test process
- How is the inspection process carried out?
- What should I do after taking a blood chemistry test?
- Blood chemistry test results
Definition of a blood chemistry test
Blood chemistry tests or tests are tests to measure the levels of several chemicals in your blood. With this test, you can find out how well your organs are working, as well as find out if there are certain health problems.
This test usually consists of various types. Generally, blood chemistry tests will measure enzymes, electrolytes, hormones, and other blood chemicals.
In a blood chemistry test, here are some of the basic aspects that will be measured:
- Sodium: In the blood, sodium shows the balance between the intake and expenditure of salt and water. Sodium also plays a role in various body functions, such as transmitting electrical signals to the brain and muscles.
- Potassium: This substance plays an important role in regulating muscle activity, including heart contraction. Potassium levels that are too high or low can cause problems such as heart rate disorders (arrhythmias), muscle weakness, and muscle cramps.
- Chloride: Similar to sodium, chloride also plays a role in balancing fluid levels in the body. Chloride imbalance is usually associated with several health problems, such as dehydration, heart disease, and kidney disease.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2): Blood chemistry tests can also measure the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, which is usually present in the form of CO2, bicarbonate and carbonic acid. These three types of carbon dioxide function to balance acid-base in the blood. Disturbances in CO2 levels are usually associated with respiratory diseases, kidney problems, severe vomiting, diarrhea, and very severe infections.
- Glucose: Glucose, aka blood sugar, plays a role in producing energy for the body, and supports the performance of the central nervous system and brain. Blood chemistry tests can help find out if you have hyperglycemia (too high glucose), hypoglycemia (too low glucose), and diabetes.
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): A BUN level test helps show how well your kidneys are working. If the BUN level is too high, this means there is a problem with your kidneys. Abnormal BUN levels have also been linked to dehydration, blood clotting disorders, and severe infections.
- Creatinine: Creatinine levels are also associated with kidney function. If your creatinine is too high, this could be a sign that you have kidney problems. The creatinine test is the most accurate test for detecting kidney problems.
When should I have a blood chemistry test?
Blood chemistry tests are the most common form of blood tests. This test is often performed as part of an examination or check up routine, including for healthy people.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society website, this test aims to:
- Knowing how your general health condition is
- Check how well your organs are working, such as the kidneys, liver and thyroid gland
- Measure electrolyte balance in the body
- Help diagnose certain diseases or health conditions
- Find out whether the treatment that is being undertaken affects the condition of your organs
- Monitor the development of cancer or other health conditions
- Helping doctors determine the appropriate treatment for your health condition
Precautions and warnings
Before undergoing a blood chemistry test, here are some things you need to pay attention to:
- Different types of drugs can change the levels of electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine, and interfere with the results of these tests. Talk to your doctor about what medicines you should stop taking before undergoing the test.
- Not only drugs, certain foods can also affect the levels of chemicals in your blood, so you may be required to fast for several hours before undergoing a blood chemistry test.
To find out more about what you need to prepare before taking this examination, consult your doctor first.
Blood chemistry test process
The preparations that need to be done will usually depend on what kind of blood chemistry tests are being performed.
Always follow the instructions and directions from the doctor regarding what you need to prepare before this test. This is important so that the examination can show accurate results and in accordance with your health condition.
How is the inspection process carried out?
The examination is usually carried out in a hospital or laboratory. The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:
- Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel.
- Clean the area to be injected with alcohol.
- Inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required, depending on your needs and conditions.
- Attach the tube to the syringe to fill it with blood.
- Unbundle your arm when enough blood is drawn.
- Attaching gauze or cotton to the injection site, after the injection is complete.
- Put pressure on the area and then apply cotton or plaster.
After that, your blood sample will be stored in a small tube for examination in the laboratory.
What should I do after taking a blood chemistry test?
You can remove the tape or swab after 20-30 minutes. You will be scheduled to take the test results, where the doctor will provide an explanation of the test results.
Blood chemistry test results
The results of blood chemistry tests will depend on various factors, ranging from age, gender, and history of disease. Normal values may also vary at each hospital or laboratory where you are tested.
Many conditions can change the results of a chemical test. The doctor will discuss with you about the test results that could relate to your symptoms or medical history.
The test results will also determine what medication or medical procedure is appropriate if you have certain health problems.
