Alanine-aminotransferase (ALT)

Alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme produced by the liver and has the primary function to help with chemical reactions in the body. Naturally, ALT in higher amounts can only be found in the liver, not in the blood. Therefore, low levels of ALT in the blood results are typical for a healthy adult. When the liver is damaged through accidents or diseases, ALT is released into the bloodstream causing ALT levels to rise. Elevated levels typically indicate a problem with liver cell integrity.

Aspartate-aminotransferase (AST)

Like ALT, aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in the liver and other organs, but usually not so much in the blood stream. Therefore, when organs are damaged, they release an excess of AST into the blood, which we can measure with our test. AST and ALT serve similar functions in our bodies, and as such include both markers in our tests to get a more concise picture of your organ health.

Total Bilirubin (TBILI)

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced during the normal process of red blood cells dying. When a red blood cell has reached the end of its life, it is broken down into different components. Bilirubin is one of these components. On its way to the liver, the bilirubin circulates through the blood, before the liver excretes the bilirubin through bile. Our lab test measures the Total Bilirubin (TBILI) in the blood, including direct and indirect bilirubin.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product formed during the process in which our bodies break down proteins. It travels into the kidneys via the bloodstream and healthy kidneys then filter the urea from the blood through urine. Decreased BUN levels are rare but are not a cause for concern. Occasionally, malnutrition, or over-hydration can cause BUN levels to be unusually low.
Increased BUN levels may indicate that the kidneys are unable to effectively remove urea from the blood. As such, measuring the BUN level helps to evaluate the kidney function.

During pregnancy, BUN levels usually fluctuate, so increased levels during pregnancy are not a cause for concern. High protein diet or gastrointestinal bleeding usually also cause excessive protein breakdown and therefore can also elevate BUN levels.

Creatinine (CREAT)

Creatinine (CREAT) is another waste product. It is formed by the breakdown of creatine, a key molecule in muscular metabolism. Healthy kidneys are removing creatinine from the blood and expel it in urine. A kidney or urinary tract disorder reduces the excretion of creatinine and thus raises the blood levels. Therefore, blood creatinine levels are a good indicator to evaluate kidney function.

Decreased levels may indicate lower muscle mass, which can be caused by aging, but also by diseases like muscular dystrophy. A diet very low in protein can have the same effect. During pregnancy creatinine blood levels are generally slightly lower, which is no cause for concern.

General

Please read the following instructions in detail, before starting with the sample collection.