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Routine Blood Chemistry Scores & What They Mean

Blood chemistry tests are used to evaluate the level of chemical substances in blood. This information allows doctors to assess a range of conditions, and it provides insight to the function of organs. Blood chemistry test results, or scores, provide data about electrolytes, nitrogen levels and glucose. Scores are given as milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).

  1. Sodium

    • A blood chemistry score on electrolytes provides data on sodium levels. Sodium functions as a regulator of water levels in the body, and it is necessary to transmit electric signals to the brain and muscles. Sodium levels also play a role in the development of hypertension, and blood may be tested for high levels of sodium as a factor with that condition. Normal scores are 135 to 145mEq/L.

    Potassium

    • Blood tests for potassium levels are done because potassium helps to regulate heartbeat. If the potassium level is too low or too high, it may cause irregular heartbeats. A level that is too high also can cause kidney failure and cell damage. Normal scores are 3.5 to 5mEq/L.

    Chloride

    • Chloride levels are checked with a blood test because chloride regulates fluid levels in the body. If the level of chloride becomes too low, necessary chemical reactions may not occur in the body. Normal scores are 98 to 106mEq/L.

    Triglycerides

    • Triglyceride blood chemistry scores indicate the ability of the body to metabolize fats. A high level of triglycerides, along with cholesterol, increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis, which is narrowing and hardening of the arteries. Normal scores are 40 to 160mg/dL for men and 35 to 135mg/dL for women.

    Cholesterol

    • One of the most common blood chemistry tests for people is for cholesterol. This test's score indicates the types and amounts of cholesterol in the body. These levels are used as a screening method to evaluate the risk of developing heart disease. The desired range for this score is 120 to 220mg/dL.

    Creatinine

    • Creatinine is a substance filtered through and excreted by the kidneys, and too much of it in a blood chemistry score indicates a kidney problem. High creatinine levels also can be caused by dehydration or muscle damage. Normal levels are 0.6 to 1.2mg/dL.

    Glucose

    • Glucose is a type of sugar found in blood. Its levels are related to diet, and it must be maintained in certain amounts to provide energy for the body. Out-of-balance levels of glucose can cause problems, including diabetes, which is caused by a high glucose level. Normal scores are 70 to 110mg/dL when fasting and 85 to 125mg/dL random.

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