Analysis of Blood Chemistry

   When having blood tests done, a patient will receive a report from the doctor. The report lists several levels of cells and enzymes in the body. Liver enzymes, biomolecules, electrolytes and blood cell count are just a few of the readings the doctor receives from laboratory results. Knowing what to expect from a blood test helps patients understand results. From these tests, the doctor determines the proper treatment if disease or abnormal results are shown.

      Hematocrit
      The first step in reading blood chemistry is to separate the blood. The separation is done through a centrifuge, which is a machine that spins very fast and causes heavier liquids to sink to the bottom while lighter fluids stick to the top. In a hematocrit, the red blood cells fall to the bottom of the vial and the lighter white blood cells stay at the top. The two separate fluids are then analyzed for red and white blood count.


      Hemoglobin
      Hemoglobin is a protein. It's made up of four globular proteins. These four proteins are brought together with an iron core called a heme. The heme is the part of the molecule that bonds with four oxygen molecules. Hemoglobin is filled with oxygen in the lungs, and a low hemoglobin hematocrit reading is a sign of anemia. Approximately 15 percent of the blood volume in a hematocrit is red blood cells.


      White Blood Cells
      There are several types of white blood cells. Some cells are regularly circulated in the blood, but other white blood cells proliferate and increase numbers during infection. The white blood cell count is important in an hematocrit since it can alert the patient and the doctor of a possible infection. For instance, a high amount of T cells, B cells or antibodies in a reading may mean the body is fighting infection. A normal white blood cell count is 3.8 and 10.8 thousand/uL.


      Carbon Dioxide
      Carbon dioxide levels are read from the blood tests to detect any kind of respiratory problems. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of cellular reactions and metabolism. When red blood cells reach the tissue, gas exchange occurs where oxygen is traded for carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is released during exhalation. If respiratory problems are present, high levels of carbon dioxide may be present. Normal readings for adults are 22 to 32 mmol/L.


      Bilirubin
      Bilirubin is a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. The liver is responsible for break down of old red blood cells that need to be removed from the body. The liver removes them by excreting old cells with bile. Bile is used in the digestive tract to break down fats in the diet. What isn't absorbed by the intestines is excreted from the body. Bilirubin counts enable doctors to detect any kind of poor liver function. A normal bilirubin count is 0 - 1.3 mg/dL in adults.