DL8L

The most abundant protein in blood, produced by the liver. Albumin maintains blood volume and pressure, and transports hormones, vitamins, and drugs. Low levels indicate liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, or chronic inflammation.

An enzyme found in the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system. Elevated ALP can indicate bile duct obstruction, liver disease, or bone disorders. It's normally higher in children and during pregnancy due to bone growth.

A liver enzyme that helps convert proteins into energy. ALT is found primarily in the liver, making it a highly specific marker for liver damage. Elevated levels may indicate hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or medication-related liver injury.

An enzyme found in the liver, heart, and muscles. While less liver-specific than ALT, elevated AST can indicate liver damage, heart attack, or muscle injury. The AST/ALT ratio helps distinguish between different liver conditions.

A key component of the body's acid-base buffering system. Bicarbonate levels reflect the balance between acids and bases in the blood. Abnormal values help diagnose metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.

Bilirubin is a substance produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. High levels can lead to jaundice and indicate liver or bile duct problems.

The most abundant mineral in the body, essential for bone health, muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting. Blood calcium is tightly regulated by parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. Abnormal levels can indicate parathyroid disorders.

An electrolyte that works with sodium to maintain fluid balance, blood pressure, and acid-base balance. Chloride abnormalities often accompany sodium abnormalities and can indicate dehydration, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders.

An enzyme found primarily in muscle tissue (skeletal and cardiac). Elevated CK indicates muscle damage from exercise, injury, or disease. Very high levels can indicate rhabdomyolysis, a potentially dangerous breakdown of muscle tissue.

A waste product from normal muscle metabolism, filtered by the kidneys. Blood creatinine levels reflect kidney filtration capacity. Elevated levels may indicate impaired kidney function, dehydration, or excessive muscle breakdown.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate — measures how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube. Faster settling indicates more inflammation. ESR is a non-specific marker used to monitor inflammatory conditions like arthritis and vasculitis.

The primary iron storage protein. Ferritin reflects total body iron stores and is the first marker to drop in iron deficiency. However, ferritin also rises with inflammation, infection, and liver disease, which can mask true iron deficiency.

Free thyroxine; high levels indicate hyperthyroidism, low levels hypothyroidism.

A liver enzyme sensitive to alcohol use and bile duct problems. GGT is often the first liver enzyme to rise when bile ducts are blocked. Combined with ALP, it helps determine whether elevated ALP is from liver or bone.

A group of proteins in blood including antibodies (immunoglobulins), transport proteins, and enzymes. Elevated globulin can indicate chronic infection, inflammation, or blood cancers. Calculated by subtracting albumin from total protein.

Blood sugar — the body's primary energy source. Fasting glucose screens for diabetes and prediabetes. Chronically elevated glucose damages blood vessels and organs. Levels fluctuate with meals, stress, and physical activity.

Reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin with attached glucose. HbA1c is the gold standard for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, unaffected by daily fluctuations.

Often called 'good' cholesterol, HDL carries cholesterol away from arteries back to the liver for removal. Higher HDL levels are protective against heart disease. Exercise, healthy fats, and moderate alcohol intake can raise HDL.

A mineral essential for oxygen transport (in hemoglobin), energy production, and immune function. Serum iron measures the amount circulating in blood, but ferritin and TIBC provide a more complete picture of iron status.

Often called 'bad' cholesterol, LDL deposits cholesterol in artery walls, contributing to plaque buildup and atherosclerosis. LDL is the primary target for cardiovascular risk reduction through diet, exercise, and medication.

A critical electrolyte for heart rhythm, muscle contractions, and nerve function. Both high and low potassium can cause dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Levels are influenced by kidney function, medications, and diet.

The primary electrolyte regulating fluid balance and blood pressure. Sodium is essential for nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Abnormal levels can cause confusion, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.

The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood, including HDL, LDL, and VLDL. While useful as an overview, the breakdown between HDL and LDL is more clinically meaningful for assessing cardiovascular risk.

Measures the combined amount of albumin and globulin proteins in your blood. These proteins are essential for fighting infections, blood clotting, and transporting substances throughout the body.

The most common type of fat in the body, stored for energy. Elevated triglycerides — often from excess sugar, alcohol, or calories — increase cardiovascular risk and can cause pancreatitis at very high levels.

The primary screening test for thyroid function. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland to regulate thyroid hormone production. High TSH indicates an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), while low TSH suggests an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

A waste product from protein breakdown, processed by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Elevated urea levels can indicate kidney dysfunction, dehydration, high-protein diet, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

A waste product from the breakdown of purines (found in certain foods and body cells). High levels can form crystals in joints (gout) or kidneys (kidney stones). Also associated with cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

The best indicator of overall vitamin D status. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Deficiency is extremely common, especially in northern latitudes, and linked to increased disease risk.