This is the procedure whereby chemical processes are utilised to measure levels of chemical components in the blood. The most common specimens used in clinical chemistry are blood and urine. Many different tests exist to test for almost any type of chemical component in blood or urine. Components may include blood glucose, electrolytes, enzymes, hormones, lipids (fats), other metabolic substances, and proteins.
The following is a description of some of the most common clinical chemistry tests (used on blood and urine specimens), including some of the uses and indications:

• Blood glucose or blood sugar levels indicate how the body handles glucose. Measuring glucose levels after fasting can help diagnose diabetes mellitus or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). HBAIC, C — Peptide, Islet Cell Antibodies, Urinary Micro albumin are all useful in maintaining diabetic patients.

• Electrolytes may include sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Measuring electrolytes can specifically indicate certain metabolic and kidney disorders.

• Enzymes are released into the blood by organs that are damaged or diseased. The type of enzyme released can indicate which organ is affected.

• Hormones are secreted by the various endocrine glands. Raised or lowered levels of certain hormones can indicate over- or under-activity of those glands e.g. Para hormone, Growth Hormone, Cortisol.

• Lipids are fatty substances such as triglycerides (body fat), phospholipids (part of cell membranes) and sterols (such as cholesterol). Lipids can help signal coronary heart disease and liver disease.

• Other metabolic substances can be measured to evaluate organ function such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and uric acid.
• Proteins can indicate metabolic and nutritional disorders, as well as certain cancers.

Blood Gases
pH, pCO2, Std.HCO3, BE, pO2 1ml Arterial blood in a Heparanized syringe ON ICE. Remove all air.

Cardiac Markers
CK, CK-MB, Troponin T (Please state time of suspected MI). Please request LD, AST and Mioglobin separately if required. 1 x SST (6ml Gel) tube

Immunoglobulins
IgA, IgM, IgG 1 x SST (6ml Gel) tube

Lipogram
Total Cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol, Triglycerides 1 x SST (6ml Gel) tube

Liver Functions
AST, ALT, LDH, ALP, GGT, Bilirubin total and conjugated, Total protein, Albumin 1 x SST (6ml Gel) tube
U&E, Creatinine
Na, K, Cl, Total CO2, Urea, Creatinine

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