Blood chemistry tests are a common medical tool that measure specific chemicals like enzymes, electrolytes, fats, sugars, and proteins in a blood sample. Analyzing these substances provides healthcare providers with a snapshot of organ function, such as the kidneys, liver, and heart. This information helps in assessing overall health, diagnosing conditions, and monitoring treatment effectiveness.
What “Abnormal” Means
Receiving an “abnormal” blood test result can be concerning, but it does not automatically indicate severe illness. “Abnormal” simply means the result falls outside a predetermined “reference range” or “normal range.” These ranges represent the statistical spread of results typically found in a healthy population, often encompassing 95% of healthy individuals.
These ranges are not absolute and can vary slightly between different laboratories due to equipment and testing methods. A result outside this range simply signals that further investigation may be needed. Sometimes, a result slightly outside the range might even be considered normal for a particular individual based on their unique physiology.
Common Abnormal Findings and What They Might Indicate
Abnormal findings in blood chemistry tests can point to various aspects of health, though a doctor’s interpretation is always necessary.
Elevated glucose levels indicate how the body manages blood sugar. High glucose could suggest prediabetes or diabetes, where the body doesn’t produce or effectively use insulin.
Abnormal cholesterol and lipid levels, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), provide information about fat metabolism. High LDL, often called “bad” cholesterol, contributes to fatty deposits in arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing heart problem risk. HDL, “good” cholesterol, helps remove excess cholesterol from the body.
Liver enzymes such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) are indicators of liver health. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, these enzymes leak into the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels. While high levels often suggest liver issues, AST can also be found in other parts of the body like the heart and muscles, so elevated AST with normal ALT might point to issues outside the liver.
Kidney function is assessed by measuring creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Creatinine is a waste product from muscle breakdown, and BUN is a waste product from protein digestion. Elevated levels of both creatinine and BUN can suggest that the kidneys are not filtering waste efficiently, possibly due to dehydration, kidney disease, or other conditions affecting blood flow to the kidneys.
Factors That Can Influence Results
Not all abnormal blood test results point to an underlying disease. Various non-disease factors can influence blood chemistry readings. Recent food intake, especially before a fasting test, can significantly alter glucose and lipid levels. Dehydration can concentrate blood components, leading to falsely elevated levels of substances like hemoglobin, hematocrit, and kidney function markers.
Certain medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can affect test results. Stress, whether physical or mental, triggers hormone release, which can temporarily increase glucose levels and affect white blood cell counts. Intense physical activity can cause temporary increases in liver enzymes (AST and ALT) and kidney function markers like creatinine, as muscle damage releases these substances into the bloodstream. The time of day the sample is taken, a person’s age, and sex can also play a role in the results.
What to Do Next
If you receive abnormal blood chemistry results, consult with a healthcare provider. They will interpret the findings within the context of your overall health, including your medical history, symptoms you may be experiencing, and other diagnostic tests. Your doctor can explain what the results mean for you, as a result flagged as “abnormal” by a computer might still be considered acceptable given your circumstances.
Based on their assessment, your doctor might recommend follow-up tests to confirm initial findings or investigate further. Lifestyle adjustments, such as dietary changes or increased hydration, may also be suggested to help normalize levels. In some cases, further investigations or changes to medication might be necessary. Avoid self-diagnosing or making drastic health changes without professional medical advice.