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Biochemical analysis of blood (“biochemistry” or simply BAC) is a highly informative laboratory test that allows you to judge the state and functional status of most internal organs and systems of the human body. Along with a general or general clinical analysis, this blood test is performed at the first stage of diagnosing any somatic diseases, and also serves as a reliable measure for the prevention of complications and an affordable way to detect health threats early. “Biochemistry” will tell you in time about the increased risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies, problems with the kidneys and liver, malfunctions of the endocrine glands, and even oncological processes that begin.
As a rule, such a study is prescribed by the attending physician if there are symptoms of a serious ailment, but any person can independently contact a private medical laboratory and donate blood for “biochemistry” if he feels unwell or is simply interested in the well-being of his body. When you have a ready-made biochemical blood test in your hands, deciphering the results can cause great difficulties, so it is better to take the form to the doctor. Moreover, an objective assessment of “biochemistry” indicators is impossible without taking into account the clinical picture, anamnesis and additional diagnostic procedures.
But the curiosity of patients is understandable – I really want to know for myself what these numbers mean, and what threatens deviations from normal values. We have prepared for you all the necessary information in a concise and accessible form: the norms of a biochemical blood test for women, men and children in the table, a description of each indicator and its role in the life of the human body, as well as an explanation of the reasons why the results of “biochemistry” can be far from ideal. However, we draw your attention to the fact that the figures in different sources are different, the standards are constantly changing and laboratories may operate with other units of measurement. Therefore, we repeat once again: deciphering the results of the LHC is the task of a qualified specialist!
Indications for a biochemical blood test
The doctor necessarily directs the patient to “biochemistry” if he complains of the following symptoms:
Persistent unexplained pain of any localization – head, dorsal, articular, muscular, in the area of internal organs;
Regular disruptions in digestion – nausea, vomiting, heaviness in the abdomen, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea or constipation, heartburn, belching, discomfort in the right or left hypochondrium;
Signs of trouble with the cardiovascular system – high or low blood pressure, chest pain, rapid or rare heartbeat, weakness, sweating, gray skin, cold fingers and toes;
Respiratory disorders – persistent persistent cough, shortness of breath, bronchospasm;
Kidney problems – change in the smell and color of urine, its retention or vice versa, frequent urge to urinate, cramps and burning in the process;
Alarm signals from the nervous system – insomnia, chronic fatigue, mood swings, depression, dizziness and fainting, tremor of the limbs;
Reproductive problems in men and women – sexual dysfunction, decreased libido, menstrual irregularities, signs of inflammatory or oncological processes, inability to have children;
Endocrine disorders – a constant feeling of heat or cold, persistent thirst or hunger, sudden shifts in weight in one direction or another, drowsiness, irritability, dry skin, trembling, attacks of fear;
Weak immunity, frequent and long-lasting infections;
The presence of visible tumors on the body, pathological changes in the skin.
In general, it can be said with confidence that a doctor of any profile will need to decipher the results of a biochemical blood test in order to make an accurate diagnosis for the patient in case of ambiguity of the symptoms of the disease.
Be sure to donate blood for “biochemistry” expectant mothers: once in the first trimester of pregnancy, and the second time – in the last. If the indicators are not normal, the study may be carried out more often.
BAC is also done to babies immediately after birth, this is necessary to confirm or exclude some severe congenital pathologies, such as phenylketonuria or cystic fibrosis. For older children, “biochemistry” is indicated for any serious health problems, as well as for lagging behind in physical or mental development.
How to prepare for donating blood for “biochemistry”?
Such an analysis is taken from the cubital vein; five milliliters of blood is enough to study a standard set of indicators. Many factors can affect the results, so proper preparation for a visit to the laboratory is very important.
So, for the successful delivery of a biochemical blood test, the following conditions must be met:
In two days, switch to a sparing diet – exclude fatty, sweet, spicy, salty, smoked, long-digested dishes, and also give up alcohol;
From the middle of the previous day, stop using tonic drinks, strong tea and coffee;
Discuss with the doctor all the medications you are constantly taking and temporarily interrupt the course if necessary;
On the eve, refrain from any stressful procedures and activities for the body – baths and saunas, contrast showers, sports, skydiving, heavy physical exertion;
The last meal should take place at least 10 hours before donating blood for “biochemistry”. In the morning, before going to the laboratory, you can not smoke and even brush your teeth with toothpaste. You can only drink a little plain water;
Take a few deep breaths as you enter the treatment room and calm down if you feel nervous. This primarily applies to children, who can be very worried before any medical manipulation.
[Video] Handing over a biochemical blood test without errors. 5 rules of preparation: