How to Read Blood Chemistry

A blood chemistry test, also called a blood screening test or comprehensive metabolic panel, is performed on blood serum, the part of the blood that does not contain cells. A blood chemistry test can be done as part of an annual examination, before surgery, to look for specific diseases or conditions, to see how your organs are functioning, or to check how well your medications or treatments are working.

Instructions

• 1

  Familiarize yourself with the different types of blood chemistry screening tests. Some blood chemistry screening tests measure more blood substances than others. Blood chemistry tests are labeled SMA 20 (SMAC 20, chem 20), SMA 6, SMA 7 or SMA 12, depending on the number of serum components they test. The results of your test will be compared to a set of normal value ranges to determine how your kidneys, liver and other organs are working and measure levels of other substances in your blood. Healthy test results should fall within the normal ranges.

• 2

  Learn what substances are measured in blood chemistry tests and learn their three-letter designations because the names of many components are abbreviated. The SMA 20 test includes all of the substances measured in the SMA 6, SMA 7 and SMA 12. The SMA 20 tests: albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), spartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin (total and direct), blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium (Ca), carbon dioxide (CO2), chloride (Cl), cholesterol and triglycerides, creatinine and creatinine clearance, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), phosphate, potassium (K), sodium (Na), total serum protein and uric acid.

• 3

  Compare the results of your blood chemistry values with the normal ranges that should be included with your test numbers. If your results do not fall within the normal range, it could indicate a problem, but be aware that normal ranges vary slightly depending on the laboratory used and can also vary based on your age, sex, size or ethnic background.

• 4

  Understand what organ or blood component each blood chemistry test evaluates. ALP, ALT, AST, bilirubin, GGT, LDH and serum protein are measures of liver function. K, Na, phosphate, BUN, Ca, Cl, creatinine, LDH, serum protein and CO2 tell you how well your kidneys are working. Your blood sugar is measured by the level of glucose. One measure of parathyroid function and pancreas function is the amount of Ca in your serum. Your adrenal gland function is partly determined by the concentration of Cl in your serum. LDH is a measure of heart, brain, muscle and lung function. Circulating cholesterol and triglycerides tell you about the concentrations of fatty substances in your blood.