B2.027 Nutritional Lab Tests Flashcards
what plasma proteins are measured to assess protein status?
serum albumin, serum transferrin, prealbumin
what does serum albumin indicate?
dietary intake during preceding 3 weeks
low = negative catabolic state
what does serum transferrin indicate?
protein status over 2 weeks
iron status
what does prealbumin indicate?
predictor of protein and energy adequacy in days prior to testing
marker of acute reduction in food consumption
can be decreased in inflammatory state or in renal/hepatic disease
why do you measure electrolytes, glucose, BUN, and creatinine?
overall clinical and fluid volume status assessment obtained if IV nutrition is a possibility
why do you measure plasma calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous?
monitored regularly in patients with poor oral intake/diarrhea
patients receiving parenteral nutrition (IV)
why do you test CBC?
identify patients w iron, folate, b12 deficiencies
