Bloodwork

Question 1

Explain the relationship between MCV and alcohol use.

Answer 1

Alcohol retards maturation of red cells in bone marrow, causing slight enlargement, therefore increased MCV.

Question 2

Explain the utilization of GGT in alcohol use.

Answer 2

Alcohol elevates GGT through enzyme induction.

Question 3

Urinalysis

Answer 3

Appearance and colour:
- Cloudy - may be d/t bacteria, pus (necrotic WBCs) or RBCs, or d/t certain foods
- Odour - UTI may give a foul odour
Protein: sensitive indicator of kidney fxn
Leukocyte esterase: 90% accurate in detecting WBCs in urine
Nitrite: bacteria produce reductase that converts urine nitrates to nitrite
Ketones: poorly controlled diabtetes/hyperglycemia