The SMAC blood chemistry panel scans a number of
different blood areas. Abnormalities do not necessarily mean
disease, and some people with disease may have normal tests. The
panel may however give clues to be followed. Minor variations from
the ranges given can be seen in normal people and are not cause for
alarm, but for further recheck. Single determinations of any tests
frequently require confirmation.
ALBUMIN
a blood protein manufactured by the liver. Marked changes may be
related to liver disease or poor nutrition.
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE
a material in the blood related to liver or bone. Young people may
have higher values.
BILIRUBIN
a level of bile pigment in the blood. Increases can be associated
with liver disease or breakdown of the red blood cells. Slight
increases sometimes have no significance.
CALCIUM
a mineral in the blood coming from the bone. Abnormalities of the
bone, such as loss of bone tissue, can increase values; while poor
intake, kidney disease, and lack of Vitamin D can decrease the
value.
CARBON DIOXIDE
a blood gas which helps keep the body from becoming too acidic or
alkaline.
CHLORIDE
a body salt usually following the same pattern as sodium.
CHOLESTEROL
blood fat in part related to eating animal fats (eggs, cheese,
cream, liver, pork, beef fat, etc.). Increased values may indicate
a tendency to hardening of the arteries. Values of 180 or less are
associated with the least risk of heart attack.
CREATININE
a waste product removed from the body by the kidneys.
GLOBULIN
similar to Albumin but contains some portions of the blood related
to immunity. Minor variations are common.
GLUCOSE
a blood sugar. High values seen in diabetes, may be altered by diet
and medication.
INORGANIC PHOSPHATE
generally related to bone activity, usually follows exact opposite
pattern to blood calcium.
POTASSIUM
one of the body salts found mostly inside of body cells. Long
fasting and breakdown of cells in handling can increase values.
Water pills frequently lower the values, kidney damage can increase
them.
SERUM IRON
measures the iron stored. It may be lower in anemic people and
higher due to excessive iron and/or pregnancy. Morning values may
be much higher than afternoon values.
SGOT-SGPT
materials found in the liver and muscle cells. Damage to these will
increase values.
SODIUM
a body salt. Kidney disease and certain diseases of the adrenal
gland, as well as dehydration can cause abnormal values.
UREA NITROGEN
measures similar things to creatinine.
URIC ACID
a material which, with excessive amounts, can deposit in the kidney
and cause stones, or in the joints and cause gout.
TOTAL PROTEIN
the combination of Albumin and Globulin. Abnormal values occur in
liver disease and with poor diet.
TRIGLYCERIDES
are blood fats related to total calories and starch, especially
sweets, in diet rather than to fat. High levels sometimes
associated with hardening of the arteries. Alcohol will also
increase values.
NOTE: Changes in Carbon Dioxide and Chloride are very
frequent in normal people due to interaction between various blood
components and need not be cause for concern.
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