Biochemical blood test as a way to monitor your health

A biochemical blood test is a detailed study of a patient’s venous blood, carried out to assess the functioning of internal organs, identify deficiencies of vitamins, enzymes, macro- and microelements, as well as to diagnose metabolic pathologies. Blood biochemistry is more indicative than a general clinical analysis; the results of the analysis make it possible to detect many diseases at the initial stage. That is why this study is recommended not only as prescribed by a doctor, but also for preventive purposes at least once a year. The results of a biochemical blood test include many interrelated indicators and their interpretation should be handled by a doctor - self-medication is dangerous for your health!

Clinical (general) blood test

It is carried out with the aim of identifying the general picture of the state of blood in the human body, including helping in the diagnosis of various infectious and hematological diseases. Blood sampling from a person must be done on an empty stomach from a finger and does not require special preparation from the patient. During the analysis, the number of red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin is counted, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is calculated. There are certain standards according to which any deviation from the required number of blood cells will be considered a sign of some kind of inflammatory process in the body or a serious disease, so the results of such an analysis will depend on whether the blood cell counts are normal or not.

In addition, you need to take into account that each laboratory has its own “standards” for a general (clinical) blood test, so it is better to ask your doctor all your questions.

A general blood test helps a doctor of any specialty. Based on the results of a blood test (hemogram), the doctor can competently assess the condition of the body, make a preliminary diagnosis and promptly prescribe appropriate treatment.

Norms of blood parameters

How to take a general blood test and what is needed for this?

There are no complex, strict regulations regarding this testing, but there are some rules:

• For this examination, capillary blood is used, which is taken from a finger. Less often, according to the doctor's instructions, blood from a vein can be used.
• The analysis is carried out in the morning. The patient is prohibited from consuming food or water 4 hours before taking a blood sample.
• The main medical supplies used for drawing blood are a scarifier, cotton wool, and alcohol.

What does a general blood test show?

A general (clinical) blood test shows:

• number of red blood cells,
• erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR),
• hemoglobin content,
• number of leukocytes,
• leukocyte formula
• and other indicators, each of which we will dwell on in detail.

blood cells are also known as red blood cells. In humans, 1 mm³ of blood contains 4.5-5 million red blood cells. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin and carry oxygen and carbon dioxide. An increase in the number of red blood cells is a sign of diseases such as leukemia, chronic lung diseases, and congenital heart defects. Anemia (decreased number of red blood cells) can be caused by stress, increased physical activity, and fasting. If you cannot immediately determine the cause of the decrease in the number of red blood cells, then it is better to go to a hematologist and undergo additional examination.

A significant increase in the content of red blood cells may indicate erythremia (one of the blood diseases). In addition, an increase in the number of red blood cells (erythocytosis, polycythemia) is observed in acute poisoning, when due to severe vomiting and diarrhea there is a large deficiency of fluid in the body; with acidosis (due to metabolic disorders during exacerbation of certain diseases); when losing fluid for various reasons (heat, illness, heavy physical activity); with long-term cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, when the body is not sufficiently supplied with oxygen and increases the number of red blood cells in an attempt to still deliver oxygen to the tissues; or when a person is in the highlands, when he no longer has enough oxygen.

Color index - its normal value for people of any age is 0.85-1.15. The blood color index is an indicator of the degree of saturation of red blood cells with hemoglobin and reflects the relationship between the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. When its values ​​differ from the norm, this generally indicates the presence of anemia. In this case, anemia is divided into: - hypochromic - color index less than 0.85; - hyperchromic - color index greater than 1.15.

However, anemia can also be normochromic - when the color indicator remains within the normal range.

Reticulocytes are young forms of red blood cells. Children have more of them, adults have less, because the formation and growth of the body has already been completed. An increase in the number of reticulocytes can be observed in anemia or malaria. A decrease in the number of reticulocytes or their absence is an unfavorable sign in anemia, indicating that the bone marrow has lost the ability to produce red blood cells.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) determines how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube and separate from the blood plasma. In women, the ESR rate is slightly higher than in men; during pregnancy, the ESR increases. Normally, the ESR value in men does not exceed 10 mm/hour, and in women - 15 mm/hour . The ESR indicator may change depending on various factors, including due to various diseases.

An increase in ESR in a blood test is one of the indicators that makes the doctor assume that the patient has an acute or chronic inflammatory process (pneumonia, osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, syphilis), and an increase in ESR is characteristic of poisoning, myocardial infarction, trauma, bone fractures, anemia, kidney diseases, cancer. It is observed both after operations and as a result of taking certain medications. A decrease in ESR occurs during fasting, with a decrease in muscle mass, and when taking corticosteroids.

Hemoglobin is a complex iron-containing protein found in red blood cells - erythrocytes - of animals and humans, capable of reversibly binding with oxygen, ensuring its transfer to tissues. The normal content of hemoglobin in human blood is considered to be: for men 130-170 g/l, for women 120-150 g/l; in children - 120-140 g/l. Blood hemoglobin is involved in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide and maintains pH balance. Therefore, determining hemoglobin is one of the most important tasks of a general blood test.

Low hemoglobin (anemia) can be the result of large blood loss; a decrease in hemoglobin occurs when there is a lack of iron, a necessary material for the construction of hemoglobin. Also, low hemoglobin (anemia) is a consequence of blood diseases and many chronic diseases not associated with them.

A hemoglobin level higher than normal can be an indicator of many blood diseases, and a complete blood count will also show an increase in red blood cells. Increased hemoglobin is typical for people with congenital heart defects and pulmonary heart failure. An increase in hemoglobin can be caused by physiological reasons - in pilots after flights, mountain climbers, after significant physical activity, the hemoglobin level is higher than normal.

Leukocytes are the protectors of our body from foreign components. The blood of an adult contains an average of 4-9x10 9/l leukocytes . White blood cells fight viruses and bacteria and cleanse the blood of dying cells. There are several types of leukocytes (monocytes, lymphocytes, etc.). The leukocyte formula allows you to calculate the content of these forms of leukocytes in the blood.

If leukocytes are found in increased numbers in a blood test, this may mean the presence of viral, fungal or bacterial infections (pneumonia, tonsillitis, sepsis, meningitis, appendicitis, abscess, polyarthritis, pyelonephritis, peritonitis), and also be a sign of poisoning of the body (gout ). Previous burns and injuries, bleeding, postoperative condition of the body, myocardial infarction, lung, kidney or spleen, acute and chronic anemia, malignant tumors - all these “troubles” are accompanied by an increase in the number of blood leukocytes.

In women, a slight increase in leukocytes in the blood is also observed in the period before menstruation, in the second half of pregnancy and during childbirth.

A decrease in the number of white blood cells, which a blood test can show, may be evidence of viral and bacterial infections (influenza, typhoid fever, viral hepatitis, sepsis, measles, malaria, rubella, mumps, AIDS), rheumatoid arthritis, kidney failure, radiation sickness, some forms of leukemia, bone marrow diseases, anaphylactic shock, exhaustion, anemia. A decrease in the number of leukocytes can also be observed while taking certain medications (analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs).

Platelets - these cells are also called blood plates. They are the smallest blood cells. The main role of platelets is participation in blood clotting processes. In blood vessels, platelets can be located near the walls and in the bloodstream. At rest, platelets have a disc-shaped shape. If necessary, they become like a sphere and form special outgrowths (pseudopodia). With their help, blood platelets can stick to each other or stick to a damaged vascular wall.

A decrease in the number of platelets is observed in women during menstruation and during normal pregnancy, and an increase occurs after physical activity. Also, the number of platelets in the blood has seasonal and daily fluctuations. Typically, platelet monitoring is prescribed when taking certain medications, when a person has burst capillaries for no reason, has frequent nosebleeds, or when being examined for various diseases.

An increase in the number of platelets in the blood (so-called thrombocytosis) occurs during: - inflammatory processes (acute rheumatism, tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis); - acute blood loss; - hemolytic anemia (when red blood cells are destroyed); — conditions after removal of the spleen; - observed during treatment with corticosteroids; - some rarer diseases.

A decrease in the number of platelets (thrombocytopenia) is observed in a number of hereditary diseases, but appears much more often in acquired diseases. The number of platelets decreases with: - severe iron deficiency anemia; - some bacterial and viral infections; - liver diseases; - diseases of the thyroid gland; - the use of a number of medications (vinblastine, chloramphenicol, sulfonamides, etc.); - systemic lupus erythematosus.

Hematocrit is the percentage (percentage) of the total blood volume that is made up of red blood cells. Normally, this figure is 40-48% for men, 36-42% for women.

The volume of red blood cells compared to plasma increases with: - dehydration (dehydration), which happens with toxicosis, diarrhea, vomiting; - congenital heart defects, accompanied by insufficient oxygen supply to the tissues; — a person being in high altitude conditions; - insufficiency of the adrenal cortex.

The volume of red blood cells relative to plasma decreases with blood thinning (hydremia) or with anemia.

Hydremia can be physiological if a person immediately drinks a lot of liquid. After significant blood loss, compensatory hydremia occurs when blood volume is restored. Pathological hydremia develops when water-salt metabolism is disturbed and occurs with glomerulonephritis, acute and chronic renal failure, and with heart failure during the period of swelling.

Blood formula . The study of the leukocyte formula has important diagnostic value, showing characteristic changes in a number of diseases. But these data should always be assessed together with other indicators of the blood system and the general condition of the patient.

For various diseases, a combination of the following signs is looked at: the total number of leukocytes; the presence of a nuclear shift of neutrophils (the so-called “shift according to the formula to the left”, that is, the appearance of young, immature forms of neutrophils in the blood); percentage of individual leukocytes; the presence or absence of degenerative changes in cells.

Alpha amylase

This enzyme is special. It breaks down complex carbohydrates into simpler compounds. Alpha amylase is concentrated in the salivary glands and pancreas. When examining blood, the doctor will definitely pay attention to the decrease and increase in the level of this enzyme.

Alpha-amylase exceeds the normal level in hepatitis, pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, mumps, and renal failure.

A decrease in the level of the enzyme is observed with alcoholism, myocardial infarction, toxicosis during pregnancy, thyrotoxicosis, pancreatic necrosis, and taking steroid drugs.

Blood chemistry

It is carried out to assess the functional state of the body, the functioning of its internal organs, as well as metabolism. This blood test can check your blood levels of protein, sugar, iron, cholesterol, bilirubin, triglycerides, various enzymes, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and various gases. Any deviation from the norm may signal that some processes may be going on in the body that are invisible from the outside (parasitic infections, tumors, allergies). Patients with poor results of biochemical analysis may have diseases of the thyroid gland, liver, and possible diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. Depending on the type of biochemical analysis, preparation for blood sampling may vary, including following a diet for several days.

How to prepare for a biochemical blood test?

One day before taking blood for biochemistry, it is necessary to avoid drinking alcohol, and 1 hour before taking smoking. It is advisable to take blood samples on an empty stomach in the morning. There should be at least 12 hours between the last meal and the blood draw. Juice, tea, coffee, chewing gum are not allowed. You can drink water. It is necessary to exclude increased psycho-emotional and physical stress.

How are the results of a biochemical blood test evaluated?

The use of different diagnostic methods by different clinics leads to different results, and the units of measurement may also differ. Therefore, to correctly decipher the result of a biochemical blood test, a consultation with the attending physician is required.

What indicators are included in a standard biochemical blood test?

1) Glucose (in blood) is the main test in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. This analysis is very important when selecting therapy and assessing the effectiveness of diabetes treatment. A decrease in glucose levels is observed in some endocrine diseases and liver dysfunction.

Normal blood glucose levels:

2) Common bilirubin is a yellow blood pigment that is formed as a result of the breakdown of hemoglobin, myoglobin and cytochromes. The main reasons for the increase in the amount of total bilirubin in the blood: damage to liver cells (hepatitis, cirrhosis), increased breakdown of red blood cells (hemolytic anemia), impaired outflow of bile (for example, cholelithiasis).

Normal values ​​of total bilirubin: 3.4 - 17.1 µmol/l.

3) Direct bilirubin (conjugated, bound bilirubin) - a fraction of total blood bilirubin. Direct bilirubin increases with jaundice, which develops due to a violation of the outflow of bile from the liver.

Normal values ​​of direct bilirubin: 0 - 7.9 µmol/l.

4) Indirect bilirubin (unconjugated, free bilirubin) - the difference between the indicators of total and direct bilirubin. This indicator increases with increased breakdown of red blood cells - with hemolytic anemia, malaria, massive hemorrhages in tissue, etc.

Normal values ​​for indirect bilirubin: < 19 µmol/l.

5) AST (AST, aspartate aminotransferase) is one of the main enzymes synthesized in the liver. Normally, the content of this enzyme in the blood serum is low, since most of it is found in hepatocytes (liver cells). An increase is observed with liver and heart diseases, as well as with long-term use of aspirin and hormonal contraceptives.

Normal AST values:

• Women – up to 31 U/l;
• Men - up to 37 U/l.

6) ALT (ALT, alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme synthesized in the liver. Most of it is located and works in liver cells, so normally the concentration of ALT in the blood is low. An increase is observed with massive death of liver cells (for example, with hepatitis, cirrhosis), severe heart failure and blood diseases.

Normal ALT values:

• women – up to 34 U/l;
• men – up to 45 U/l.

7) Gamma-GT (gamma-glutamyltransferase) is an enzyme found primarily in the cells of the liver and pancreas. An increase in its amount in the blood is observed with diseases of these organs, as well as with prolonged use of alcohol.

Normal gamma-GT values:

Men < 55 U/l

Women < 38 U/l

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme widely distributed in human tissues. The hepatic and bone forms of alkaline phosphatase are of greatest clinical importance, the activity of which is determined in the blood serum.

Normal alkaline phosphatase values: 30-120 U/l.

9) Cholesterol (total cholesterol) is the main blood lipid that enters the body with food and is also synthesized by liver cells.

Normal cholesterol levels: 3.2-5.6 mmol/l.

10) Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are one of the most atherogenic, “harmful” lipid fractions. LDL is very rich in cholesterol and, transporting it to vascular cells, lingers in them, forming atherosclerotic plaques.

Normal LDL levels: 1.71-3.5 mmol/l.

11) Triglycerides are neutral fats found in the blood plasma, an important indicator of lipid metabolism.

Normal triglyceride levels: 0.41-1.8 mmol/l.

12) Total protein - an indicator reflecting the total amount of proteins in the blood. Its decrease is observed in some diseases of the liver and kidneys, accompanied by increased excretion of protein in the urine. Increased in blood diseases and infectious and inflammatory processes.

Normal values ​​for total protein: 66-83 g/l.

13) Albumin is the most important blood protein, making up approximately half of all serum proteins. A decrease in albumin content can also be a manifestation of certain diseases of the kidneys, liver, and intestines. Elevated albumin is usually associated with dehydration.

Normal albumin values: 35-52 g/l

14) Potassium (K+) is an electrolyte found primarily inside cells. An increase in the level of potassium in the blood is most often observed in acute and chronic renal failure, a sharp decrease in the amount of urine excreted or its complete absence, most often associated with severe kidney disease.

Normal potassium values: 3.5-5.5 mmol/l.

15) Sodium (Na+) is an electrolyte found primarily in extracellular fluid and in smaller quantities inside cells. It is responsible for the functioning of nervous and muscle tissue, digestive enzymes, blood pressure, and water metabolism.

Normal sodium values: 136-145 mmol/l.

16) Chlorine (Cl-) is one of the main electrolytes, which is in the blood in an ionized state and plays an important role in maintaining water-electrolyte and acid-base balances in the body.

Normal chlorine values: 98-107 mmol/l.

17) Creatinine is a substance that plays an important role in the energy metabolism of muscle and other tissues. Creatinine is completely excreted by the kidneys, so determining its concentration in the blood is of greatest clinical importance for diagnosing kidney diseases.

Normal creatinine values:

• men - 62 – 115 µmol/l;
• women - 53 - 97 µmol/l.

18) Urea is a substance that is the end product of protein metabolism in the body. Urea is excreted by the kidneys, so determining its concentration in the blood gives an idea of ​​the functional abilities of the kidneys and is most widely used for diagnosing renal pathology.

Normal urea values: 2.8-7.2 mmol/l

19) Uric acid is one of the end products of protein metabolism in the body. Uric acid is completely excreted by the kidneys. An increase in the concentration of uric acid occurs in kidney stones and other kidney diseases that occur with renal failure.

Normal uric acid values:

• men - 210 - 420 µmol/l;
• women - 150 - 350 µmol/l.

20) C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive element in the blood that reacts faster than others to tissue damage. The presence of reactive protein in blood serum is a sign of an inflammatory process, injury, or penetration of foreign microorganisms into the body - bacteria, parasites, fungi. The more acute the inflammatory process, the more active the disease, the higher the C-reactive protein in the blood serum.

Normal values ​​for C-reactive protein: 0 - 5 mg/l.

21) Iron (serum iron) is a vital microelement that is part of hemoglobin, is involved in the transport and deposition of oxygen and plays an important role in hematopoiesis.

Normal serum iron values:

• women - 8.95 - 30.43 µmol/l;
• men - 11.64 - 30.43 µmol/l.

How to prepare for the procedure?

• Blood sampling for biochemistry is always performed on an empty stomach, most often between 8 and 11 am. On the day of the procedure, it is allowed to drink still water, and the day before the procedure, heavy foods, carbonated drinks, strong coffee, tea and alcohol should be excluded from the diet.
• You should not smoke in the last hour before donating blood.
• Immediately before the procedure, try to avoid physical and emotional stress; for the last 10–20 minutes it is better to just sit near the manipulation room.
• If the date of the biochemical blood test falls during a course of drug treatment or a course of physical therapy, then it is worth consulting with a doctor - he may recommend rescheduling the test to another time or interrupting the course of treatment for several days.

Immunological blood test

Few people know what blood tests there are from the point of view of the human immunological system, since these tests are not so common. As a rule, such a blood test provides information about the immunodeficiency virus in the human body and is anonymous, since it is carried out at the request of the patient. For sampling, blood taken from a vein on an empty stomach is used, from which serum is obtained for testing by centrifugation. In addition, the study of blood serum can detect a number of sexually transmitted diseases (syphilis, herpes, chlamydia), as well as all types of hepatitis, measles, rubella, mumps and toxoplasmosis.

Basically, for ELISA analysis, the biological material being studied is blood, however, cerebrospinal fluid, vitreous contents, amniotic fluid, etc. can be examined.

What is immunoglobulin (antibody)?

Immunoglobulins are immune molecules that can bind to and neutralize most infectious pathogens and toxins in the body. In this case, the most important characteristic of immunoglobulins is their specificity, that is, the ability to bind to a specific antigen. It is this property that is used to conduct a blood test for immunoglobulin.

There are five types of immunoglobulins, but the most studied are immunoglobulins A, M, and G. Immunoglobulins M and G show their activity in the blood. Immunoglobulins A are a kind of barrier on the surface of the mucous membranes, as they are present there in large quantities.

An immunological blood test allows you to determine the type of immunoglobulins, thanks to which ELISA allows you not only to diagnose the disease, but also to determine the stage of the disease and monitor the dynamics of the disease:

• In the first 2 weeks of the disease, only immunoglobulins A are detected.
• From the 2nd to the 3rd week of the disease, immunoglobulins A and M are detected in the blood.
• From 3 to 4 weeks, a blood test for immunoglobulin determines all three types.
• During recovery, immunoglobulins M disappear from the blood, and the amount of A and G decreases by 2–4 times.
• In the presence of a chronic process, immunoglobulins G are necessarily present in the blood, immunoglobulins M are absent, immunoglobulins A may or may not be present.

Advantages of enzyme immunoassay (ELISA):

• Relatively high sensitivity (accuracy).
• Reasonable price.
• Allows for early diagnosis (due to the ability to determine immunoglobulin classes during analysis).
• Allows you to monitor the dynamics of the infectious process (thanks to the ability to determine immunoglobulin classes).
• Ease of use.
• An immunological blood test allows you to get a quick answer.

Disadvantages of ELISA blood test:

• Sometimes enzyme immunoassays give false positive or false negative results.

Scope of application of immunological blood test

• Diagnosis of viral diseases: hepatitis, herpes, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, etc.
• Sexually transmitted infections: chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, mycoplasma, ureaplasma.
• Syphilis.
• Endocrinology (determination of hormone levels).
• Tumor markers (diagnosis of cancer).
• Immunology (diagnosis of immunodeficiency).
• Allergology (diagnosis and treatment of allergies).

Serological blood test is a laboratory method of blood testing that is used to diagnose infectious diseases and determine the stage of the infectious process. The serological reaction is based on the interaction of antibodies and antigens.

Determination of antigens is used to determine the genus and species of microorganisms. This research method is used in urology and venereology. Blood for a serological blood test is taken in the morning on an empty stomach from a vein.

Disturbed pigment metabolism

In the human body there are specifically colored proteins. These are peptides that contain a metal (for example, copper or iron). Such peptides include cytochrome, hemoglobin, myoglobin, etc. As a result of the breakdown of peptides, bilirubin and its fractions are formed.

Free bilirubin appears after the breakdown of red blood cells in the spleen. This bilirubin is very toxic, especially to the human brain. However, the body is not poisoned due to the rapid connection of free bilirubin with albumin. In liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, the concentration of bilirubin in the body increases due to a decrease in the amount of albumin and the predominance of glucuronic acid.

Indirect bilirubin binds to this acid, which loses its toxicity. It then enters the bile and is converted into urobilinogen. This enzyme, in turn, penetrates through the small intestine into the blood and then into the kidneys. It is urobilinogen that colors urine yellow.

Hormonal blood test

This type of study helps determine the general functioning of the organs of the human endocrine system, as well as identify diseases of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal glands and other human endocrine organs. Blood is drawn on certain days depending on the production of the hormone that will be tested. This can be an analysis of thyroid hormones (T4, T3), pituitary gland (TSH, LH, FSH), sex glands (testosterone, estriol), adrenal glands (cortisol), as well as pregnancy hormone (hCG). The results will depend entirely on the age and gender of the person, as well as whether there are any diseases in his endocrine system.

Preparing for a hormone test

The amount of hormones in the blood depends on the time of day, since there is a daily rhythm of secretion (release of hormones). Blood for hormonal analysis should be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach.

In women, hormonal levels also depend on the stage of the menstrual cycle. The most favorable days for analysis are days 5-7 of the cycle, starting from the first day of menstruation.

On the eve of the test, you should not drink alcohol, and you should also avoid increased physical activity and stressful situations. It is advisable not to smoke for an hour before the test.

A week before the test, you must stop taking hormonal medications. If you are prescribed medication, discuss this with your doctor; the test may have to be postponed.

How to take a hormone test correctly?

The human hormonal system is connected to all organs and systems of the body. Therefore, the level of hormones in the blood may depend on various external influences and changes in the human body. General recommendations from doctors are as follows: you need to take a blood test for hormones in the morning on an empty stomach. Before donating blood for hormone testing, stop smoking, drinking alcohol and strenuous physical activity. Women need to have many hormones analyzed on certain days of the menstrual cycle. To ensure that the results of your hormone tests are as reliable as possible, consult your doctor and follow his recommendations.

When is a blood test for hormones prescribed?

Hormonal analysis is usually carried out if there is a suspicion of dysfunction of the endocrine glands or if an increase in the size of the glands is detected.

Indications for testing for female sex hormones (estrogens) are:

• menstrual irregularities;
• infertility;
• miscarriage;
• acne;
• overweight;
• fibrocystic mastopathy (breast disease).

Indications for testing for male sex hormones (androgens) are:

• suspicion of the development of tumor processes;
• ovarian dysfunction;
• kidney dysfunction;
• overweight (obesity);
• infertility;
• acne;
• in women – excessive growth of body hair.

Hormonal analysis is prescribed during pregnancy if pathological development of the fetus is suspected. An analysis for the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), produced by the cells of the membrane of the embryo, can detect pregnancy already on the 6-10th day after fertilization.

Interpretation of blood test results for hormones

Blood from a vein is used to test hormones.

Depending on the clinical signs indicating a specific pathology, an analysis with tests for specific hormones is usually prescribed.

The most complete picture of your health can be obtained by taking a test for the following hormones.

Thyroid hormones:

• T3 (triiodothyronine) free – stimulates oxygen metabolism in tissues. Normal values: 2.6 - 5.7 pmol/l.
• T4 (thyroxine) – stimulates protein synthesis. Normal values: 0.7-1.48 ng/dl.
• Antibodies to thyroglobulin (AT-TG) are an important parameter for identifying a number of autoimmune diseases. Normal values: 0-4.11 U/ml.
• Some others.

Pituitary hormones:

• TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) – stimulates the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). Normal values: 0.4-4.0 mU/l. An elevated TSH value usually indicates decreased thyroid function.
• FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) . Normal values: in women - depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. Phase I – 3.35-21.63 mU/ml; Phase II – 1.11-13.99 mU/ml; postmenopause – 2.58-150.53 mU/ml; girls under 9 years old 0.2-4.2 mU/ml. In men – 1.37-13.58 mU/ml.
• LH (luteinizing hormone) . Normal values: in women - depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. Phase I – 2.57-26.53 mU/ml; Phase II – 0.67-23.57 mU/ml; postmenopause - 11.3-40 mU/ml; girls under 9 years old - 0.03-3.9 mU/ml. In men – 1.26-10.05 mU/ml.
• Prolactin . The main function is to stimulate the development of mammary glands and lactation. Normal values: in women (from the first menstruation to menopause) - 1.2-29.93 ng/ml; in men - 2.58-18.12 ng/ml. Increased concentrations of prolactin are called hyperprolactinemia . There are physiological and pathological hyperprolactinemia. Physiological hyperprolactinemia can be caused by breastfeeding, pregnancy, severe physical activity, and stress. An increased concentration of prolactin in women leads to menstrual irregularities and may cause infertility. In men, hyperprolactinemia leads to decreased libido and impotence.
• ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) – stimulates the synthesis and secretion of hormones from the adrenal cortex. Normal values: 9-52 pg/ml.
• Some others.

Sex hormones:

• Testosterone (male sex hormone) is produced by the adrenal glands and in the gonads (in men - in the testicles, in women - in the ovaries). Affects the development of the genital organs, the formation of secondary sexual characteristics, the growth of bones and muscles. Normal values: for men - 4.94-32.01 nmol/l, for women - 0.38-1.97 nmol/l.
• Estrogens (female sex hormones). The main estrogens - progesterone and estradiol - are produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries. Normal values ​​of progesterone in women depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle: Phase I - 1.0-2.2 nM/l; Phase II - 23.0-30.0 nM/l; for postmenopause - 1.0-1.8 nM/l. Similarly for estradiol: phase I - 198-284 pM/l: phase II - 439-570 pM/l; for postmenopause - 51-133 pM/l. Elevated estrogen levels may indicate tumors of the ovaries and adrenal cortex, as well as cirrhosis of the liver. Reduced - for insufficient development and sclerosis of the ovaries.

Adrenal hormones:

• DEA-s (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is necessary for the synthesis of testosterone and estrogens. The range of normal values ​​for the concentration of this hormone: 3591 – 11907 nmol/l; in women - 810 - 8991 nmol/l. However, this is the general picture; when processing analysis data, the patient’s age must also be taken into account.
• Cortisol is involved in many metabolic processes and is actively produced as a result of the body’s response to hunger or stress. Normal values: for children under 16 years of age - 3-21 mcg/dl, for an adult - 3.7-19.4 mcg/dl.
• Aldosterone is responsible for regulating water-salt balance in the body. Normal values: 35 - 350 pg/ml.

Glucose

Glucose is considered the main indicator of carbohydrate metabolism. It is the main energy product that enters the cell, since the vital activity of the cell depends specifically on oxygen and glucose. After a person has eaten, glucose enters the liver, and there it is utilized in the form of glycogen . These processes are controlled by hormones - insulin and glucagon . Due to a lack of glucose in the blood, hypoglycemia develops; its excess indicates that hyperglycemia is occurring.

Violation of blood glucose concentration occurs in the following cases:

Hypoglycemia

• with prolonged fasting;
• in case of malabsorption of carbohydrates - with colitis , enteritis, etc.;
• with hypothyroidism;
• for chronic liver pathologies;
• with chronic adrenal insufficiency;
• with hypopituitarism;
• in case of overdose of insulin or hypoglycemic drugs taken orally;
• for meningitis , encephalitis , insulinoma, meningoencephalitis, sarcoidosis .

Hyperglycemia

• for diabetes mellitus of the first and second types;
• with thyrotoxicosis;
• in case of development of a pituitary ;
• with the development of tumors of the adrenal cortex;
• with pheochromocytoma;
• in people who practice treatment with glucocorticoids;
• for epilepsy ;
• for injuries and brain tumors;
• with psycho-emotional agitation;
• if carbon monoxide poisoning occurs.

Definitive blood tests

These types of blood tests are very different from those listed above in that they do not diagnose any disease or health condition of a person, but simply indicate the peculiarity of his circulatory system. These include tests to determine blood type, Rh factor and coagulation. As a rule, these studies are mandatory for people in special professions, as well as for all pregnant women. Blood is taken for analysis from a vein and does not require special preparation of the patient.

Why does jaundice appear?

There are several mechanisms for the occurrence of jaundice.

Jaundice is an indication for a biochemical blood test to determine the level of bilirubin in the blood. These indications also include liver tumors and cirrhosis, hepatitis, and hemolytic anemia.

Data on nitrogen metabolic processes

A too slow metabolic process, fasting, polyuria or liver failure will be indicated by an underestimation of creatinine, urea, and uric acid in the blood. Normal blood biochemistry values ​​increase the likelihood of problems with the diseases in question.

An overestimation of urea is also possible. If it is found during blood biochemistry, then arterial hypertension, poisoning or kidney disease will be suspected. Readings above normal for uric acid are a sign of poisoning, infectious diseases, skin pathologies, gout, leukemia or diabetes. One of the signs of abnormalities in kidney function is also high creatinine. The indicator also signals diabetes mellitus, muscular dystrophy or obstruction in the intestinal area.

How do the quantitative indicators of urea, creatine, and residual nitrogen change?

Like all other indicators, these three can also vary up or down. Such results are possible due to the destruction of body tissues, as a result of which protein increases, or due to incomplete kidney function. In some cases, these indicators increase in older people, which is the norm.

Among these indicators, the quantitative increase in creatine and urea is very important. The higher their values, the more obvious the kidney pathology.

Amino acids and proteins

Protein often decreases during fasting or when following diets, but it can indicate a number of pathologies: chronic bleeding, problems with metabolic processes, anemia. Underestimated data is the norm during breastfeeding, during pregnancy (late pregnancy), for bedridden patients or in case of significant physical exertion.

The interpretation of the tests taken during blood biochemistry is considered carefully and normal values ​​should not be exceeded. The protein is present in excessive amounts in individuals with autoimmune diseases, during infections, in cases of significant kidney pathologies or in the presence of malignant tumors.

Reduced levels of amino acids are a bad indicator, observed when there are problems in metabolic processes, often resulting in kidney or liver problems.

Data on microelements and vitamins

Often, normal blood biochemistry levels are checked when clarifying vitamin levels in men or women. Attention should be paid to sodium and potassium. If there is too much sodium, you may experience muscle cramps, irritability and excessive thirst. A minimal amount of the element leads to headaches, the desire to constantly sleep, vomiting, and coma.

If potassium is elevated, arrhythmia, underestimation of blood pressure, and confusion are possible. Vomiting and nausea are signs of low potassium, and sometimes the condition leads to involuntary bowel movements or urination.

What are the basic indicators of the LHC?

The main indicators covering almost the entire body and assessing the state of internal organs and health are the following standards:

• ALT,
• AST,
• LDH,
• Total protein
• Alkaline phosphate,
• Glucose,
• Total and conjugated bilirubin,
• Urea,
• Uric acid,
• Iron,
• Sodium,
• Total cholesterol
• HDL,
• Potassium,
• OZhSS,
• Albumen.

The list of these indicators is quite enough for a qualified doctor to assess the complete control of internal organs and adjust the body’s therapy. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe additional, more specific examinations. But in most cases it is standard.