Biochem

Question 1

What does a raised ALT indicate?

Answer 1

hepatocellular injury - e.g. viral hepatitis, liver damage

Question 2

What is the significance of a raised AST?

Answer 2

Also indicates liver damage but is less specific than ALT - also found in muscle

Question 3

What does elevated bilirubin suggest?

Answer 3

Liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, or haemolysis

Question 4

What does low albumin indicate?

Answer 4

Chronic liver diease, malnutrition, or inflammation - reflects impaired liver systemic function

Question 5

What’s the AST:ALT ratio used for?

Answer 5

If 2:1, may suggest alcoholic liver disease. ALT>AST usually seen in viral hepatitis.

Question 6

What does elevated urea indicate?

Answer 6

Renal dysfunction, dehydration, or increase protein breakdown.

Question 7

What does CRP measure?

Answer 7

Acute-phase response - rises with inflammation, infection or trauma

Question 8

What can blood gas analysis reveal?

Answer 8

Acid-base disturbances, oxygenation levels, respiratory/metabolic dysfunction

Question 9

What does CRP measure?

Answer 9

Its an acute-phase protein released by the liver in response to IL-6 rises in infection, inflammation, or tissue injury.

Question 10

How is CRP different from ESR

Answer 10

CRP rises and falls faster - it is more sensitive and specific for acute inflammation

Question 11

What does a high CRP >100 mg/L suggest?

Answer 11

Bacterial infection, severe inflammation or trauma