Gastrointestinal Tests

Question 1

Albumin

Answer 1

3.4 - 5.4 g/dL

Albumin helps maintain intravascular oncotic pressure. Very low levels can lead to lower extremity edema, ascites, and pulmonary edema secondary to increased vascular permeability. It’s produced in the liver. Transport protein for bilirubin, etc.

Question 2

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

Answer 2

50-100 U/L

Alkaline phosphate (ALP) is an enzyme found mostly in the liver but also made in bones, intestines, pancreas, kidneys, placenta. It helps break down proteins and assists in bone development, and liver function.

Question 3

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT):

Answer 3

5-30 U/L

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme made in the liver and smaller amounts in kidneys, heart, muscles. Normal blood levels are low but when the liver is damaged it releases into the bloodstream. Used as a diagnostic for liver disease.

Question 4

Amylase

Answer 4

30-125 U/L

Amylase - enzyme secreted by cells of the pancreas and aids in digestion of carbohydrates to simple sugars. Pancreas damage or disease results in altered levels in blood and urine.

Question 5

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST):

Answer 5

5-30 U/L

Aspartate aminotranferase (AST) - enzyme found primarily in liver. Elevated levels suggest liver insult.

Question 6

Direct bilirubin

(“direct” - conjugated with glucuronic acid by enzyme glucoonyltransferase, making it soluble in water)

Answer 6

0 - 0.4 mg/dL

Direct bilirubin (conjugated) - test that measures amount of bilirubin in blood, used to determine jaundice, anemia, liver disease. Bilirubin is the orange-yellow pigment that occurs normally when part of your RBC’s break down. The liver filters the bilirubin so that most is defecated as bile. If elevated - RBC’s breaking down at an unusual rate or liver isn’t breaking down waste properly.

Question 7

Gamma glutamyl transferase

Answer 7

6-50 U/L

Gamma glutamyl transferase - enzyme found in liver, pancreas, heart, brain. Used to detect diseases of liver or bile ducts. Also done w/other tests (ALT, AST, ALP, Bilirubin) to tell difference between liber or bile duct disorders and bone diseases.

Question 8

Lipase

Answer 8

10-150 U/L

Lipase - made by the pancreas; helps digest fats. Elevated levels indicate pancreas dysfunction; pancreatitis, tumors, etc.

Question 9

Total bilirubin

Answer 9

0.2 - 1.2 mg/dL

Total bilirubin - sum of conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin.
Test that measures amount of bilirubin in blood, used to determine jaundice, anemia, liver disease. Bilirubin is the orange-yellow pigment that occurs normally when part of your RBC’s break down. The liver filters the bilirubin so that most is defecated as bile. If elevated - RBC’s breaking down at an unusual rate or liver isn’t breaking down waste properly.

Question 10

Total protein

Answer 10

60-80 g/L

Total protein - measures amount of total protein and specifically looks at albumin and globulin and their ratios known as “A/G” ratio. Measured in comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).