What do doctors prescribe it for?

Biochemical blood analysis is a laboratory diagnostic method, which allows specialists to evaluate the work of specific internal organs (unlike the general blood test), the features of metabolism, the hemopoiesis system, and the level of microelements.

When is it necessary?

A doctor may decide it is necessary in the case of a patient's complaints, or as part of the preventive annual checkup. It is an informative method of detecting illnesses at early stages. The parameters of biochemical blood analysis assess the course and dynamics of previously identified chronic diseases.

What is included in it?

Blood biochemistry includes a wide range of indicators that can tell us a lot about our bodies. The most important are:

• Glucose is an indicator of carbohydrate metabolism. An increase in its level indicates a pronounced risk of developing diabetes mellitus.
• Urea and сreatinine are markers of kidney function.
• ALT and AST allow evaluation of liver function.
• Alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase are used to diagnose bile duct, liver, and pancreatiс diseases.
• Bilirubin and its fractions (total and direct) are markers of liver and biliary tract conditions.
• Uric acid is a product of the metabolism of purine bases, which are part of the complex proteins of nucleoproteins. Elevated levels of this indicator may indicate impaired kidney function, excessive intake of purines from food, cancer, and the development of gout.
• Total cholesterol is an informative indicator of the body's lipid profile. Elevated cholesterol can be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• Serum iron is used in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, to assess the iron reserve in the body and to monitor the use of iron preparations.

How do you prepare for the tests?

For reliable test results, follow these guidelines:

• Take blood tests on an empty stomach. It is not recommended to eat within 8–12 hours before blood sampling.
• You can drink still water, and should not eat fatty food or drink alcohol on the eve of the test.
• Exercise and smoking must be avoided 30 minutes before testing.

Detailed information about all biomarkers included in the biochemical blood test, optimal reference values, and causes of increases and decreases are available in the Ornament Wiki.

10 January 2022