"Comprehensive Biochemistry Test Guide: Key Tests, Normal Ranges, and Their Clinical Significance". This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. Should there be any mistakes, we humbly seek forgiveness in advance.
Here are short descriptions of the biochemistry tests:
1.
1 Hour After 75g Glucose Test
- Description:
This test measures blood glucose levels one hour after consuming a 75g
glucose solution, primarily used to screen for gestational diabetes in
pregnant women.
- Reference Values:
- Normal:
Less than 180 mg/dL
- Impaired:
180–199 mg/dL (suggestive of glucose intolerance)
- Diabetes:
200 mg/dL or above
2.
2 Hours After 75g Glucose Test
- Description:
Also known as the 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), this test
measures blood glucose two hours after ingesting 75g of glucose. It is
often used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes.
- Reference Values:
- Normal:
Less than 140 mg/dL
- Prediabetes:
140–199 mg/dL
- Diabetes:
200 mg/dL or above
3.
24-Hour Urinary Calcium
- Description:
This test measures the amount of calcium excreted in urine over 24 hours,
helping assess calcium metabolism and conditions like hypercalcemia or
bone disorders.
- Reference Values:
- Normal:
100–300 mg/day
- Low:
Below 100 mg/day (may indicate hypocalcemia, dietary deficiency, or
kidney issues)
- High:
Above 300 mg/day (may indicate hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, or
bone disorders)
4.
24-Hour Urinary Creatinine
- Description:
This test checks the amount of creatinine excreted in urine over 24 hours,
commonly used to evaluate kidney function.
- Reference Values:
- Normal:
- Men: 14–26 mg/kg body weight per
day
- Women: 11–20 mg/kg body weight per
day
- Low:
Could indicate kidney dysfunction or muscle mass reduction.
- High:
May result from high muscle mass or intense physical activity.
5.
24-Hour Urinary Phosphate
- Description:
This test measures phosphate excretion in urine over 24 hours, useful for
assessing phosphate metabolism, kidney function, and bone health.
- Reference Values:
- Normal:
400–1,300 mg/day
- Low:
Below 400 mg/day (may suggest malnutrition, certain medications, or kidney
dysfunction).
- High:
Above 1,300 mg/day (may indicate hyperphosphatemia, parathyroid
disorders, or excessive dietary intake).
6.
24-Hour Urinary Copper
- Description:
This test measures copper excretion over 24 hours, useful in diagnosing
conditions like Wilson's disease, where copper metabolism is impaired.
- Reference Values:
- Normal:
15–60 µg/day
- High:
Above 100 µg/day (may indicate Wilson's disease or other disorders
affecting copper metabolism).
7.
AG Ratio (Albumin/Globulin Ratio)
- Description:
The AG ratio compares the amounts of albumin and globulin in the blood. It
can help in diagnosing liver and kidney disease and various other health
conditions.
- Normal Range:
1.0 - 2.1
- Minimum:
1.0
- Maximum:
2.1
- Average: 1.2 - 1.5
8.
Albumin for SAAG (Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient)
- Description:
This measures the albumin levels in blood serum and ascitic fluid to
calculate the SAAG, which helps diagnose the cause of ascites, such as
liver disease.
SAAG vs Total
ascites protein |
|||
SAAG |
|||
<1.1 g/dL |
>1.1 g/dL |
||
Total Protein |
<2.5 g/dL |
Tuberculous Peritonitis, Nephrotic syndrome |
Cirrhosis, Budd-Chiari (late) |
>2.5 g/dL |
Cancer, Tuberculosis, Chylous ascites,
Pancreatitis |
Right HF, Budd-Chiari (early),
veno-occlusive disease |
- Normal Range:
Serum albumin levels in adults range from 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL.
- Minimum:
3.5 g/dL
- Maximum:
5.0 g/dL
- Average: 4.0 - 4.5 g/dL
9.
Alcohol
- Description:
Alcohol testing measures blood alcohol concentration (BAC), often used in
cases of suspected intoxication or poisoning.
- Normal Range:
0.00% (or no detectable alcohol)
- Minimum:
0.00%
- Maximum: Levels above 0.08% are considered legally impaired in many places; levels above 0.30% may be life-threatening.
10.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
- Description:
ALP is an enzyme related to the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive
system. Elevated levels can indicate liver or bone disorders.
- Normal Range:
44 - 147 IU/L
- Minimum:
44 IU/L
- Maximum:
147 IU/L
- Average: 90 - 100 IU/L
11.
ALT (SGPT) – Alanine Aminotransferase
- Description:
ALT is an enzyme found mainly in the liver. Elevated ALT levels can
indicate liver damage.
- Normal Range:
7 - 56 U/L
- Minimum:
7 U/L
- Maximum:
56 U/L
- Average: 10 - 40 U/L
12.
Amphetamines (Urine)
- Description:
This test detects amphetamine and related drugs in the urine, often used
for drug screening.
- Normal Range:
Negative (no detectable amphetamines)
- Minimum:
Negative
- Maximum: A positive result depends on the specific testing threshold, often around 500 ng/mL.
13.
Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1)
- Description:
Apo A1 is a protein component of HDL cholesterol, important for
cardiovascular health assessment.
- Normal Range:
101 - 199 mg/dL
- Minimum:
101 mg/dL
- Maximum:
199 mg/dL
- Average: 120 - 180 mg/dL
14.
Apolipoprotein B (Apo B)
- Description:
Apo B is a protein found in LDL cholesterol, with high levels being a risk
factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Normal Range:
52 - 109 mg/dL
- Minimum:
52 mg/dL
- Maximum:
109 mg/dL
- Average:
70 - 100 mg/dL
15. Ascitic Fluid for ADA (Adenosine
Deaminase)
- Purpose:
Measures ADA enzyme levels in ascitic fluid, commonly used to diagnose
tuberculosis peritonitis.
- Normal Range:
Typically less than 40 U/L; values above this may suggest TB or
infections.
- Average Value: Around 20-30 U/L in healthy individuals.
16. Ascitic Fluid for Albumin
- Purpose:
Measures albumin levels in ascitic fluid, helping distinguish between
portal hypertension and other causes of ascites.
- Normal Range:
Greater than 1.1 g/dL in cases of portal hypertension; less than this in
other cases.
- Average Value: Typically between 1.0 - 1.5 g/dL in ascitic fluid.
17. Ascitic Fluid for LDH (Lactate
Dehydrogenase)
- Purpose:
Determines LDH levels in ascitic fluid, indicating inflammation,
infections, or malignancy.
- Normal Range:
Less than 50% of serum LDH; high values may indicate infections or cancer.
- Average Value: Generally <200 U/L.
18. Ascitic Fluid for Protein
- Purpose:
Measures total protein levels in ascitic fluid to differentiate
transudative and exudative causes of ascites.
- Normal Range:
Less than 2.5 g/dL is typically transudative; higher in exudative cases.
- Average Value: Around 1.0 - 3.0 g/dL depending on the condition.
19. Ascitic Fluid for Sugar
(Glucose)
- Purpose:
Assesses glucose levels in ascitic fluid, which can help identify bacterial
infections if levels are low.
- Normal Range:
Similar to blood glucose levels, but levels below 60 mg/dL suggest
infections.
- Average Value: 80 - 100 mg/dL in the absence of infection.
20. Aspirated Fluid for Amylase
- Purpose:
Measures amylase levels in aspirated fluid to diagnose pancreatic or
salivary gland issues.
- Normal Range:
Values typically lower than 100 U/L; higher levels suggest pancreatic
origin or ruptured viscus.
- Average Value: <80 U/L in non-pancreatic fluids.
21. Aspirated Fluid for Glucose
- Purpose:
Assesses glucose levels in aspirated fluid, assisting in identifying
infections or other abnormalities.
- Normal Range:
Generally similar to serum levels; low levels indicate infection or
malignancy.
- Average Value: 70 - 100 mg/dL depending on fluid and clinical context.
22. Aspirated Fluid for Lipase
- Purpose:
Measures lipase levels in aspirated fluid, which can indicate pancreatic
leakage or related conditions.
- Normal Range:
Below 50 U/L; elevated levels indicate pancreatic disease or trauma.
- Average Value: 20 - 50 U/L.
23. Aspirated Fluid for Protein
- Purpose:
Evaluates total protein in aspirated fluid to classify it as transudate or
exudate.
- Normal Range:
Less than 3 g/dL suggests transudate; more suggests exudate.
- Average Value: Typically between 1.5 - 2.5 g/dL.
24. Aspirated Fluid for TG
(Triglycerides)
- Purpose:
Measures triglyceride levels in aspirated fluid, particularly useful in
diagnosing chylous effusion.
- Normal Range:
Less than 110 mg/dL; higher levels indicate chylous effusion or lymphatic
leakage.
- Average Value:
Around 70 - 100 mg/dL in non-chylous fluid.
25. AST (SGOT)
Description: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or SGOT is an enzyme found
in the liver, heart, muscles, and other tissues. Elevated levels can indicate
liver damage or muscle injury.
Normal Range: 10 - 40 U/L (units per liter)
Average Value: ~25 U/L
26. BAL for Glucose
Description: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for glucose measures the
glucose concentration in the fluid from the lungs, often used to help diagnose
lung infections or inflammatory conditions.
Normal Range: Typically low, as BAL fluid usually has low glucose levels
compared to blood.
27. BAL for Protein
Description: BAL for protein tests protein levels in lung fluid, often
used to assess lung infections, inflammation, or certain lung diseases.
Normal Range: Generally low, with typical levels <1 g/L, depending on
the underlying lung condition.
28. Beta-2 Microglobulin
Description: This protein is found on the surface of most cells and can
be measured in blood, urine, or other body fluids. It is used as a marker for
certain blood cancers, kidney function, and autoimmune diseases.
Normal Range: Blood: 0.7 - 1.8 mg/L; Urine: 0 - 300 µg/L
Average Value: ~1.3 mg/L in blood
29. Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)
Description: Bicarbonate is a form of carbon dioxide in the blood and
helps maintain pH balance in the body. It is an important marker in acid-base
balance and kidney function.
Normal Range: 22 - 29 mmol/L
Average Value: ~25 mmol/L
30. Blood Glucose (FISH)
Description: Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) may be used to
detect glucose in certain conditions, though blood glucose tests usually
measure the level of glucose in the blood for diabetes management.
Normal Range: 70 - 99 mg/dL (fasting); <140 mg/dL (post-meal)
Average Value: ~85 mg/dL fasting
31. Blood Osmolality
Description: Blood osmolality measures the concentration of solutes in
the blood, including sodium, glucose, and urea. It's useful in assessing the
body's water-electrolyte balance and hydration.
Normal Range: 275 - 295 mOsm/kg
Average Value: ~285 mOsm/kg
32. Body Mass Index (BMI)
Description: BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It
is used as a general indicator of healthy weight for adults.
Normal Range: 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m²
Average Value: ~22 kg/m²
33. BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
Description: BUN measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood from urea,
a waste product made by the liver. It helps evaluate kidney function.
Normal Range: 7 - 20 mg/dL
Average Value: ~14 mg/dL
34.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- Description:
CRP is a marker for inflammation in the body and is often elevated in
infections or inflammatory diseases.
- Normal Range:
<1.0 mg/L (low risk); 1.0-3.0 mg/L (average risk); >3.0 mg/L (high
risk).
- Average: 1.0-3.0 mg/L in most healthy adults.
35.
Calorie Deprivation Test - After 48 hrs.
- Description:
Assesses metabolic response to calorie deprivation by measuring glucose,
ketones, and other markers.
- Typical Ranges: Glucose may drop to lower limits of normal (~70 mg/dL), and ketone levels might increase as the body shifts to fat metabolism.
36.
Calorie Deprivation Test - Fasting
- Description:
A fasting test to check how the body manages energy when deprived of food.
- Typical Ranges: Glucose between 70-100 mg/dL; ketone bodies may rise depending on individual metabolic response.
37.
Ceruloplasmin Blood
- Description:
A protein that carries copper in the blood. Low levels may indicate
Wilson's disease or other copper metabolism disorders.
- Normal Range:
20-50 mg/dL.
- Average: 30 mg/dL.
38.
Chloride Urine
- Description:
Measures the amount of chloride in the urine, which can be an indicator of
electrolyte balance and hydration status.
- Normal Range:
110-250 mEq/L.
- Average: 180 mEq/L.
39.
CK-MB
- Description:
CK-MB is a cardiac marker used to diagnose heart attacks. It is a specific
form of creatine kinase found in heart muscle.
- Normal Range:
<6 ng/mL.
- Average: 3 ng/mL.
40.
Cocaine Urine
- Description:
Tests for the presence of cocaine or its metabolites in urine to detect
drug use.
- Cut-off Value: Usually >300 ng/mL indicates recent use.
41.
Creatinine Clearance Rate (CCR)
- Description:
Measures how well the kidneys are filtering creatinine, an indicator of
kidney function.
- Normal Range:
88-137 mL/min (for men), 72-128 mL/min (for women).
- Average: ~100 mL/min.
42.
CSF for ADA (Adenosine Deaminase)
- Description:
Measures ADA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to help diagnose tuberculosis
meningitis.
- Normal Range:
<10 U/L.
- Average: ~5 U/L.
43.
CSF for Glucose
- Description:
Checks glucose levels in CSF, often used to diagnose infections like
bacterial meningitis.
- Normal Range:
2.5-4.4 mmol/L (45-80 mg/dL), typically ~60% of blood glucose.
- Average: ~3.5 mmol/L.
44.
CSF for LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase)
- Description:
Elevated LDH in CSF may indicate infection, hemorrhage, or other CNS
pathologies.
- Normal Range:
<40 U/L.
- Average: ~25 U/L.
45.
CSF for Protein
- Description:
High protein in CSF can suggest inflammation or infection in the central
nervous system.
- Normal Range:
15-45 mg/dL.
- Average: 30 mg/dL.
46.
CUS 1 hr. ABF (After Breastfeeding)
- Description:
Tests glucose levels after breastfeeding to check blood sugar regulation.
- Typical Range: Varies by individual, typically within 80-130 mg/dL depending on the breastfeeding effect on glucose.
47.
CUS 1 hr. After 100gm Glucose
- Description:
Tests glucose tolerance by measuring blood glucose one hour after a 100g
glucose load.
- Normal Range:
<180 mg/dL.
- Average: ~140 mg/dL in non-diabetic individuals.
48.
CUS 1 hr. After 75gm Glucose
- Description:
Part of glucose tolerance testing, typically for diagnosing gestational
diabetes.
- Normal Range:
<140 mg/dL.
- Average: ~120 mg/dL in non-diabetic individuals.
49.
CUS 1 hr. After Lunch
- Description:
Measures postprandial (after meal) glucose levels to assess blood sugar
response to food.
- Normal Range:
<140 mg/dL.
- Average: 100-130 mg/dL, depending on individual tolerance.
50.
CUS 1.5 hrs. After 75gm Glucose
- Description:
Extended glucose tolerance test for closer monitoring of blood sugar
levels.
- Normal Range:
Generally within 140 mg/dL.
- Average:
~120 mg/dL.