(847) 966-3080
North Shore
Veterinary Clinic
When Dr. Johnson recommends a senior blood panel or a pre-surgical blood screening, these tests typically involve a chemistry panel, a complete blood count, and a thyroid screen where appropriate. Many of our clients have expressed interest in what specific blood tests reveal. This is a simple overview the tests performed in a blood chemistry panel.
A chemistry panel evaluates various quantities of proteins, and chemical constituents in the blood stream. A panel examines general metabolism, kidney function, liver function, pancreatic function, and levels of blood electrolytes. A complete blood count (CBC) examines the composition and quantities of cellular components in the blood sample.
First, we collect a blood sample from your pet. After drawing this sample, we allow it to clot. Then we spin it in a centrifuge at high rotational speeds to separate the cellular components, (red and white blood cells and platelets), and the fibrin from the serum (a clear fluid). We evaluate the chemical compounds in the serum to determine various aspects of your pet's health.
We can evaluate more than two dozen metabolic parammeters with a chemistry panel. Using this information coupled with other diagnostic procedures including radiographs, a physical exam with a history, and a urinalysis, Dr. Johnson can interpolate and accurate picture of your pet's health.
It is important to note that this complete picture involves results from the blood tests AND the physical exam with a history. Dr. Johnson uses this information together with his experience and introspection coupled with a thorough evaluation of the physical and emotional aspects of your pet to derive a proper diagnosis. Abnormal test results by themselves only suggest a wide variety of possible health ailments your pet may have. An abnormal test may not have any clinical significance, only Dr. Johnson can tell you for sure when he knows your pet's history.
We categorize these tests here according to the body functions they most commonly describe. But because of the complexity of the body's biochemistry, many factors can affect the values of these tests beyond what we list here. This categorization is merely a guide to aid your understanding and cannot be regarded as complete. Always use one of our veterinary technicians or Dr. Johnson as your definitive resource regarding blood screening tests and any questions you may have.
- GlucoseThis simple sugar is the body's main source of energy on a cellular level.
- CPK - Creatine phosphokinaseThis enzyme is important for storing energy for muscle contractions.
- BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
- CreatinineThis test measures the filtration rate of the kidneys. Creatinine is a waste product from creatine phosphate found in skeletal muscle. It reflects the body's muscle mass. Only the kidneys eliminate creatinine. The levels change more slowly than the BUN. It is a better test to determine long term kidney function. The serum creatinine will not change unless more than 50% of the nephrons in the kidneys are damaged.
- Osmolality, calculatedThis calculation measures the body's ability to maintain fluid balance.
- ALP (SAP or Alkaline Phosphatase)Instead of a specific compound in the body, ALP actually measures a family of related enzymes. Many cells within the body produce ALP: bone, kidneys, liver, intestines, and the bile ducts. Levels of ALP elevate in instances of bone injury, skeletal growth, or pregnancy.
- ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)This enzyme can be found in liver, kidneys, heart, and skeletal muscle. It is an indicator of liver damage: if the liver suffers damage, it releases alanine aminotransferase into the bloodstream. This test detects static and non-specific liver disease. It is not a qualitative liver function test. The ALT helps differentiate between heart and liver tissue damage.
- GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase)The bile ducts produce GGT. This enzyme transports amino acids and peptides into cells. It is also important in glutithione and nitrogen metabolism.
- Total BilirubinRed blood cells contain hemoglobin which transports oxygen through the body from the lungs and collects carbon dioxide for removal. Hemoglobin itself contains a heme unit that performs the actual task of bonding and transporting these gases. Red blood cells die and the liver pulls them from circulation and breaks down the hemoglobin. Bilirubin is a waste product formed from the breakdown of the heme units in hemoglobin.
- Indirect BilirubinThis is the free bilirubin in blood. Bilirubin requires albumin to transport it to the liver.
- Direct BilirubinThis type of free bilirubin in the blood has been converted by the liver to be water soluble. It is sent from the gall bladder to the intestines. Bacteria convert direct bilirubin to urobilinogen, then it is eliminated from the body.
- AST (SGOT or Asparate Aminotransferase)This enzyme aids detection of acute hepatic disease. Levels of AST fluctuate with respect to patterns of liver cell death. AST functions in the liver, heart, kidneys, pancreas, and muscles. Levels elevate with heart or liver damage.
- Total ProteinProtein is the most abundant compound in serum. It consists of enzymes, hormones, antibodies, ...etc. The major sources of protein are albumin and globulin. Protein levels affect the osmotic pressure balance and can act as a reserve source of nutrition.
- GlobulinGlobulin is a larger protein than albumin. Many types of globulins with diverse functions can be found within the body. Immunoglobulins are important for an immunologic response by the body. Others are involved with carrying hormones, metals, and lipids.
- AlbuminAlbumin aids in the transport of many substances through the body in the blood stream and through the cell membrane.
- Na (Sodium)
- K (Potassium)
- Cl (Chloride)
- Ca (Calcium)
- P (Phosphorus)This electrolyte is found in most tissues and cells. It has an inverse relationship with calcium. It is required for buffering of the body's fluid and maintaining osmotic pressure within the body. It also functions in calcium transport. It is important in all aspects of metabolism.
- Mg (Magnesium)
- AmylaseSecreted by the pancreas, it is important for the normal digestion of starch.
- Lipase
- Carbon Dioxide
- BUN/Creatinine RatioMeasures kidney and liver function.
- Na+/K+ Ratio (Sodium/Potassium Ratio)This is a ratio of the two major blood electrolytes. It reveals subtle imbalances between the two cations.
- Ca2+/P Ratio (Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio)Due to the delicate balance of these electrolytes, it helps to note subtle imbalances in their relationship.
- Anion Gap (Calculated) (Sodium + Potassium - Chloride - Carbonate)This measures the concentration of cations and anions in the extracellular fluid of blood.
- TriglyceridesAdipose tissue stores lipids as either glycerol, monoglycerides, or fatty acids. They are converted by the liver to triglycerides. Approximately 95% of the fat stored in tissue is triglycerides.
- CholesterolCholesterol is a structural component of cell membranes and it is a steroid hormone precursor. The liver synthesizes most cholesterol used by the body, although some is absorbed from ingested food.
- Heartworm Antigen (Primarily Dogs)
