Chemistry and Fasting Flashcards
What does the Chemistry Department do?
Performs tests related to the study of chemical reactions occurring in a living organism.
List some specimens that may be analyzed for chemical components:
Blood Urine CSF Amniotic Fluid Synovial Fluid (joint) Sweat Stool Kidney Stones
Acid Phosphatase (Acid Phos) basic chemistry test
Used in diagnosing metastatic carcinomas of the prostate gland and breast, among other uses.
Albumin (alb)
Albumin is a protein that is formed within the liver. This makes up approximately 60% of the total protein. Albumin transports important blood constituents such as drugs, hormones, and enzymes.
Alkaline Phosphatase (Alk Phos) basic chemistry test
Used to evaluate bone and liver diseases, among other uses.
Amylase (Amy) basic chemistry test
Used to detect and monitor the clinical course of pancreatitis. It is frequently ordered when a patient presents with acute abdominal pain.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (Ast, SGOT, GOT) basic chemistry test
sometimes used as part of cardiac enzymes
Barbiturate level (Barb level) basic chemistry test
To determine the level of barbiturates in the patient’s system.
Bilirubin (Total and Direct) (Bili T & D) basic chemistry test
measures liver function
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN / urea) basic chemistry test
useful in diagnosing disease that affect kidney function
Calcium (Ca, Ca++) basic chemistry test
To determine if the level of calcium in blood is at normal levels.
Chloride (Cl) basic chemistry test
Performed as part of a multiphase testing for what is usually called “electrolytes”. By itself it does not provide much information, however, with interpretation of the other electrolytes, chloride can give an indication of acid-base balance and hydration status.
Creatinine Kinase (CK, CPK) basic chemistry test
Used to support the diagnosis of myocardial muscle injury (infarction). It can also indicate neurological or skeletal muscle disease.
Creatinine Kinase M.B. (ckmb) basic chemistry test
The MB on the end of CK relates directly to the isoenzyme of the cardiac muscle. This test is an extended cardiac enzyme giving a more definitive diagnosis of myocardial infarction.
Creatinine (Cr, Creat) basic chemistry test
Often ordered to ensure the kidneys are functioning correctly, and monitor the treatment of kidney disease.
Digoxin (Dig level) basic chemistry test
Measures the body’s use of digoxin. This level must be drawn 6 hours after a regularly scheduled dose.
Glycosylated Hemoglobin (Hemoglobin A1C, HbA1c) basic chemistry test
This test is a reflection of the blood glucose on the red blood cells during the past 3 months.
HDL Cholesterol (HDL Chol) basic chemistry test
Good cholesterol, often done in conjunction with total cholesterol.
Iron / Total Binding Capacity (Fe / TIBC) basic chemistry test
Useful in diagnosing anemia, some infections, and cirrhosis of the liver.
Lactate-dehydrogenase (LD / LDH) basic chemistry test
A component of cardiac enzymes. LDH is an enzyme released into the circulation after tissue damage to heart, liver, kidney, brain, or skeletal muscle.
Drug Levels basic chemistry test
Test for drug levels, based on the type of drug and how long the patient has been taking the drug. Most often the test is done 6hrs after the last dose of medication. These are not to evaluate how the patient’s body is utilizing the medication.
Phosphate / Phosphorus (PO / PO4) basic chemistry test
To evaluate the level of phosphorus in your blood and to aid in the diagnosis of conditions known to cause abnormally high or low levels.
Potassium (K) basic chemistry test
To determine whether your potassium concentration is within normal limits and to help evaluate an electrolyte imbalance; to monitor chronic or acute hyperkalemia or hypokalemia.
Protein Total (Prot) basic chemistry test
Ordered to determine your nutritional status or to screen for certain liver and kidney disorders as well as other diseases.
Protein Electrophoresis (P Elect) basic chemistry test
To help diagnose and monitor multiple myeloma and a variety of other conditions that affect protein absorption, production, and loss as seen in severe organ disease and altered nutritional states.
Sodium (Na) basic chemistry test
To determine whether your sodium concentration is within normal limits and to help evaluate electrolyte balance and kidney function.
Troponin (Trop / Trop level) basic chemistry test
Used to diagnose a myocardial infarct (both before and after the event).
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) basic chemistry test
To screen for and help diagnose thyroid disorders; to monitor treatment of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Uric Acid basic chemistry test
To detect high levels of uric acid, which could be a sign of gout, or to monitor uric acid levels when undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Cholesterol (Chol) basic chemistry test
It’s important that the food cholesterol, or high-density lipoproteins (HDL), be measured in relationship to total cholesterol.
What’s included in Liver Function Tests (LFT’s)?
- ALT - Alanine Aminotransferase
- AST - Aspartate Aminotransferase
- ALP (or Alk Phos) - Alkaline Phosphatase
- GGT - Gamma Glutamic Transferase
- Bili T & D - Bilirubin Total and Direct
- Alb. - Albumin
What’s included in Cardiac Enzymes?
- ALT
- AST
- LD
- CK
- Always add TROPONIN
What’s included in Lytes?
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Total Co2/HC03/Bicarbonate
What’s included in Lipid Profile?
- Total Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- HDL Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol
When is fasting bloodwork done?
Fasting bloodwork that is ordered will always be done the following day unless the patient is NPO already, then it can be drawn the same day as it is ordered.
How is an 8hr fast recorded on the Kardex in the Nutrition/Diet section?
NPO > 2300 (FBW)
How is a 10hr fast recorded on the Kardex in the Nutrition/Diet section?
NPO > 2100 (FBW)
How is a 12hr fast recorded on the Kardex in the Nutrition/Diet section?
NPO > 1900 (FBW)
How is FBW recorded on the Kardex in the Lab section?
- FBS for _____(date)
2. Lipid Profile for _____(date)
Which tests require an 8 hour fast?
- Cryoglobulins
- Glucose Fasting (FBS)
- Fasting Phosphate, P, P04 (test must be designated fasting or will be a routine test for P04)
- Viscosity
Which tests require a 10 hour fast?
- Gastrin
2. Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
Which tests require a 12 hour fast?
- Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- LDL
