Clinical Chemistries: Protein and Hepatobiliary Testing Flashcards
Are protein assays a liver function test?
Not specifically
Two of the three plasma proteins are produced by the liver
What two plasma proteins are produced by the liver?
Albumin and Fibrinogen
Are there other proteins produced by the liver
Yes, they are just in smaller amounts
What are globulins produced by?
The immune system
What are the functions of plasma proteins?
Help form structural matrix of all cells, organs, and tissues Maintain osmotic pressure Serve as enzymes, buffers, and hormones Function in blood coagulation Help with the body's defense system Act as transport or carrier molecules
Total Protein
The total amount of protein in serum
What does total protein measure specifically?
Albumin, globulins, and many other proteins
What is total protein useful in determining?
The hydration status of the patient
Hyperproteinemia
Dehydrated patient
Hypoproteinemia
Over-hydrated or other causes
What protein tests can you run?
Total plasma protein Total Protein Albumin Globulin Fibrinogen
Total plasma protein
Uses plasma and includes all 3 proteins
Can measure with PCV tube and refractometer or
GTT in the analyzer
Albumin
Run in chemistry analyzer
Makes up 35-50% of total protein
Globulin
Rarely done
Estimated by taking the difference between TP and ALB
Fibrinogen
Run with 4 PCV tubes
After spinning, cook 2 in a warm water bath and take the difference on the refractometer