To assess the state of health of the body, including the functioning of all organs and systems, a reliable method is used - a biochemical blood test. Thanks to this study, the doctor evaluates carbohydrate, mineral, lipid and protein metabolism, as well as the active work of enzyme substances. Deviation of indicators from the norm indicates a malfunction in organs and systems. Only a doctor can reliably assess the condition of an individual and correctly decipher the results.
general information
The blood circulating in the body, thanks to a branched vascular system, penetrates all cells and tissues. Its volume depends on body weight and is about seven percent of it. The composition of the blood includes plasma and shaped particles. The quantitative content of the latter is studied according to the results of a general analysis. Ninety percent of the plasma consists of water, in addition, it contains amino acids, salts, proteins, and breakdown products of protein substances. A biochemical blood test shows that a malfunction has occurred in the work of an organ or, conversely, all organs and systems are functioning normally.
In addition to nutrients, blood contains the vital products of cell tissue that leave the body through sweat glands, kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, as well as substances formed as a result of the pathological process. Changes in the blood occur much earlier than the first symptoms of the disease appear. This type of research provides invaluable assistance in the diagnosis of many diseases, including the identification of them in the early stages.
Preparation for a biochemical blood test in adults
For any type of examination, including blood biochemistry, it is necessary to carefully prepare. To do this, follow a few simple recommendations:
- For three days, refuse fatty, spicy, spicy, sweet foods, canned goods and pickles, strong tea and coffee drinks.
- After the last meal, at least twelve hours should pass before the delivery of the biomaterial.
- For a day, refuse to visit a sauna or bath, physical activity, and if possible eliminate emotional stress.
- For the day, exclude the use of alcohol-containing drinks.
- One hour before the procedure - smoking.
- On the day of the test, neither drink nor eat. Blood is taken in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Physiotherapeutic manipulations, massage, medication should be rescheduled (as agreed with the doctor). You can perform them after blood donation.
The results of a biochemical blood test will be ready in a day or two.
Indications for blood biochemistry
The study is shown during the passage of a routine examination, clinical observation, registration in a maternity welfare clinic due to pregnancy, individual complaints about the deterioration of well-being when contacting the clinic. Blood biochemistry is prescribed in the following cases:
- previous strokes, heart attacks;
- cerebral ischemia;
- Ischemic heart disease;
- hypercholesterolemia;
- pancreatitis
- cholecystitis;
- stomach ulcer;
- enteritis;
- gastritis;
- menstrual irregularities;
- myoma;
- inflammatory process in the uterus;
- endometriosis;
- diabetes;
- obesity;
- neoplasm in the pituitary gland;
- and other.
In some cases, additional examination methods are required to confirm the diagnosis.
Indicators of blood biochemistry in adults
Using this analysis, you can explore a fairly large number of indicators. In each case, the necessary set is determined by the attending doctor. The results are compared with the norm. Deciphering the biochemical analysis of blood in adults involves the evaluation and comparison of the following parameters:
- Glucose, fructosamine are indispensable for evaluating carbohydrate metabolism.
- Bile acids, bilirubin.
- Triglycerides, cholesterol, apoliproprotein are indicators of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.
- Protein. Assessment of protein metabolism is based on the analysis of total protein, urea, albumin, creatinine and uric acid. Among specific proteins, transferrin, myoglobin, troponin, ferritin, and C-reactive protein are tested.
- Phosphotase, lipase, amylase.
- Trace elements.
- Vitamins
Deviation of indicators from permissible values in one direction or another signals a pathological process. Correct decoding of a biochemical blood test in adults helps with the diagnosis, and also allows you to prescribe timely treatment. Below we consider in more detail the reasons for the deviation of some indicators from acceptable values.
Total protein (unit - g / l)
In an adult, the level of total protein is normal to 83 in both men and women. This indicator indicates the total amount of protein substances in the blood that take part in many biochemical processes:
- act as catalysts for various chemical transformations;
- protect the body from infections;
- carry out a transport function.
The most common causes of increased protein in the blood :
- oncology;
- joint inflammation;
- rheumatic diseases.
Low indicators of total protein in a biochemical blood test in adults indicate diseases of the liver, kidneys, intestinal pathology and the presence of malignant neoplasms.
Albumin is the main protein in blood plasma produced by the liver. Its low level is found in cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, heart failure, sepsis, and drug poisoning. A high concentration is typical for dehydration, extensive burns and prolonged diarrhea.
Glucose (unit - mmol / l)
The norm in an adult is from 3.8 to 5.8. An overestimated level of this indicator of a biochemical blood test is observed with:
- diabetes mellitus;
- cystic fibrosis;
- hemorrhagic stroke;
- neoplasms in the pancreas.
Short-term excess is possible with overeating, stress and consumption of sweets in large quantities. In the following pathological conditions, low blood glucose levels are observed:
- cancer of the adrenal gland;
- hypothyroidism;
- poisoning with alcohol and drugs;
- liver disease
- pancreatic diseases of an inflammatory nature.
Cholesterol (unit - mmol / L)
This substance is an important component of lipid metabolism, which takes an active part in the production of vitamin D and various steroid hormones by the adrenal glands, the formation of cell membranes. Determine:
- total cholesterol, the norm of which is the same for both sexes and ranges from 3 to 6;
- HDL and LDL, their acceptable values are different for women and men in a biochemical blood test.
Elevated cholesterol is present with:
- obstructive jaundice;
- atherosclerosis;
- chronic hepatitis;
- decompensated diabetes mellitus;
- hypothyroidism.
Low concentration is a consequence of:
- prolonged fasting;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- lung disease (COPD);
- malignant neoplasms in the liver;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- metabolic failure.
Bilirubin (unit - μmol / L)
This substance is a pigment of a red-yellow hue, which is formed as a result of the breakdown of hemoglobin in the bone marrow, liver and spleen. The reasons for the high level of bilirubin in a biochemical blood test, the norm of which is from 3.4 to 17.1 for men and women, are:
- cholelithiasis;
- oncology of the liver;
- acute cholecystitis;
- cholangitis.
A low level of bilirubin is characteristic of drug poisoning, acute or toxic hepatitis, and liver diseases due to a bacterial infection.
Minerals: Sodium
This element supports the osmotic pressure in the cells and tissues in the body of the individual, as well as the physiological level of acidity. The hormonal substance of the adrenal cortex controls its level. With edema, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, the use of a large number of diuretics, a low sodium content in the blood is observed . An elevated level is present in the following conditions:
- diabetes insipidus;
- pathology of the hypothalamus;
- prolonged diarrhea;
- vomiting
- coma.
Biochemical blood test in women
In women and men, the permissible values of blood biochemistry are different.
This is primarily due to hormonal instability in different life periods in women. In the process of research in the laboratory, more than forty blood parameters are identified that help to identify violations in the functioning of organs and systems. The following indicators are analyzed:
- Total protein. A low amount indicates insufficient intake of food. A change in this value from the norm signals the occurrence of pathological processes in the liver, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys or connective tissue.
- Ferritin. A low level indicates infection, neoplasm, rheumatism.
- Transferrin. In case of impaired liver function, this indicator undergoes a change.
- Albumen. With its help, liver and kidney diseases are determined.
- Myoglobin. With injuries, burns or convulsions, an overestimated amount is detected.
- Ceruloplasmin. An increase in excess indicates the presence of tumors of a malignant nature, inflammation and myocardial infarction.
- Rheumatoid factor. Changes in this parameter are observed with mononucleosis, tuberculosis, infectious endocarditis, rheumatoid arthritis.
- C-reactive protein. If inflammatory processes occur in the body, this parameter increases.
- Lipid spectrum: LDL, HDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol. Interpretation of the results of a biochemical blood test reveals cardiac pathologies.
- The enzyme group helps to detect a malfunction in the functioning of the liver and pancreas: ALT, AST, A-amylase, lipase, cholinesterase, creatinine kinase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase.
- Glucose. This parameter reveals diabetes.
- Bilirubin. Its deviation from normal values occurs with various hepatitis, anemia, cholelithiasis, tumors in the pancreas and liver, and diseases of the biliary tract.
- Creatinine. With its fluctuations, diabetes, damage to the adrenal glands, kidneys and liver are suspected.
- Urea. This parameter helps to identify diseases of the digestive system, renal failure and liver pathology.
- Trace elements, vitamins, acids.
Blood biochemistry during pregnancy
Carrying out this type of study allows you to get an idea about the water-electrolyte, carbohydrate metabolic process, as well as the number of trace elements. A biochemical blood test helps determine in a pregnant woman the functional state of all body systems. During this period, a huge load goes on the endocrine system, heart, kidneys and liver, so monitoring the activity of these organs is very important.
With a normal pregnancy, future mothers pass this analysis twice:
- When registering in a antenatal clinic. At the initial examination, changes that occur in the body before conception are revealed.
- After 30 weeks after the previous analysis, he is prescribed again, with a preventive purpose.
In addition, a biochemical blood test is indicated in the following cases:
- assessment of therapy in the presence of complications during the gestation period of the baby;
- control of existing concomitant diseases;
- dispensary observation in the conditions of a day or round-the-clock hospital.
The biomaterial is taken from a vein. The doctor determines the number of indicators that need to be analyzed individually. It must be remembered that the permissible values of individual blood characteristics depend on the period of pregnancy and differ from the norm of a non-pregnant woman. The table shows the indicators of the norm of a biochemical blood test in a pregnant woman in different trimesters.
Let's consider some of them in more detail:
- Total protein - shows the amount of protein substances in blood serum. Throughout pregnancy, its level should be at the same level. Identification of low values indicates that the expectant mother eats poorly, and at high - an additional examination of the liver will be required.
- Glucose. Monitoring it allows you not to miss the gestational diabetes mellitus that occurs during pregnancy.
- Cholesterol - is involved in the synthesis of female sex hormones. High rates can provoke pathological changes in the cardiovascular system of the fetus. With values almost two times lower than normal, it is recommended to change the diet of a pregnant woman.
- AST and ALT. An increase in the level of these enzymes signals hemolytic anemia, obesity or problems with the liver and heart.
- Urea. This indicator is analyzed along with creatinine. Together, they show the work of the excretory system. The cause of the increase in urea in excess of the permissible values in the first trimester is toxicosis. In addition, an increase in this indicator is observed when eating a large amount of protein-rich food.
- Bilirubin - is formed during the breakdown of hemoglobin. The increase in this indicator in the third trimester is due to the pressure of the uterus on adjacent organs. This phenomenon is not considered a pathology, and the level of bilirubin normalizes soon after delivery.
- Uric acid. As a result of an increase in the volume of circulating fluid in the first two trimesters, a decrease in the level of this indicator is observed. In recent months, the amount of uric acid has been increasing, which is associated with the development and growth of the fetus.
- Creatinine - provides muscle tissue with energy. In the first and second trimester, this figure is slightly reduced. The reason is the increased burden on the kidneys due to the increased volume of circulating blood. Low levels are present in thin women and those who prefer a vegetarian diet. The doctor in these cases recommends a special diet.
- Minerals - magnesium, calcium, chlorine, iron, potassium, phosphorus. These substances are actively involved in the metabolism and are necessary for the fetus and the pregnant woman. The value of these indicators is evaluated along with other biochemistry results.
Diagnosis of possible violations
A biochemical and general blood test is prescribed on an outpatient and inpatient basis with the goal of:
- monitoring the results of treatment;
- identification of the pathological process.
Information obtained from the results of biochemical studies helps to form an idea of autoimmune reactions, the functioning of systems and internal organs, and the water-alkaline balance of an individual. In addition, this analysis is indicated for in-depth diagnostics for:
- digestive tract disorders;
- hormonal disruptions;
- damage to the kidneys, heart, liver;
- blood diseases;
- pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.
Deviations of the parameters of the biochemical analysis of blood in adults from the norm are a signal of problems in the individual's body. It is an integral part in identifying the pathology of internal organs.