Miscellaneous

Question 1

Alpha 1-antitrypsin

Answer 1

100-300 mg/dL

Alpha 1-antitrypsin: type of enzyme inhibitor produced in the liver that protects tissues from enzymes or inflammatory cells, especially neutrophil elastase which breaks down (degrades) the elasticity of the lungs. It essentially protects the lungs from respiratory complications such as COPD.

Question 2

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)

Answer 2

23-57 U/L

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE): made in the endothelial cells of the kidney; component of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which controls BP by regulating fluid volume. Converts angiotensin 1 to the active vasoconstrictor angiotensin 2. Therefore ACE causes blood vessels to constrict.

Question 3

C-reactive protein (CRP):

Answer 3

<5 mg/L (CRP)

C-reactive protein (CRP): protein made by the liver. Levels increase due to conditions causing inflammation; non-specific test.

Question 4

D-dimer

Answer 4

<500 ng/mL

D-dimer: On the fibrin clot, plasma degrades fibrin into various products (ie, D-dimers). Elevated levels assist in diagnosis of pulmonary embolisms (PE’s) and DVT’s along with clinical correlation.

Question 5

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR):

Answer 5

Men = 0-22 mm/hr
Women = 0-29 mm/hr

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Sed rate is a blood test that reveals a body’s inflammatory process. Measures distance/clumping RBC’s fall to the bottom of the tube in 1 hour. The faster/greater the fall, the greater the body’s inflammatory response of immune system is. Assist in unexplained fevers, arthritis, etc.

Question 6

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH):

Answer 6

50-100 U/L (LDH)

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): found in nearly all living cells. Enzyme that catalyzes conversion of lactate to pyruvate. Monitors chemotherapy. Can be seen in severe shock, rhabdomyolysis, hypoxia, MI, PE, hemolytic anemia, mono, muscular dystrophy, liver, renal disease, etc. Patients will eventually become acidotic if the body is unable to excrete excess amounts.

Question 7

Lead

Answer 7

<40 ug/dL

Lead: blood test used to screen for lead exposure from environment or occupation. If excess levels, will need treatment with Chelation (binds excess metals in body such as lead or iron) to assist in excretion.

Question 8

Rheumatoid factor

Answer 8

<25 IU/ml

Rheumatoid factor: proteins produced by the immune system that can attack healthy tissues. High levels may indicate autoimmune diseases.