Basic Lab Values
This lab value is used to assess kidney function by measuring the level of nitrogen in the blood.
What is BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)?
This imaging test produces detailed images of the inside of the body and is commonly used to assess bone fractures
What is an X-ray?
This lab test is used to assess the risk of heart disease by measuring the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood.
What is a lipid panel?
This electrolyte is critical for nerve function and muscle contraction, and its level can be affected by kidney function.
What is potassium (K+)?
This ABG value indicates the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood and is an important indicator of respiratory function.
What is pCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide)?
A low value of this test may indicate anemia, while a high value can signal dehydration or polycythemia.
What is hematocrit (Hct)?
This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and is used to diagnose arrhythmias and heart attacks.
What is an EKG (electrocardiogram)?
This cardiac biomarker is elevated in cases of myocardial infarction (MI)
What is troponin?
This kidney function test measures the rate at which the kidneys filter waste from the blood
What is GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate)?
This ABG result is used to assess the level of oxygen in the blood.
What is pO2 (partial pressure of oxygen)?
This value is part of the Complete Blood Count (CBC) and measures the number of red blood cells in a given volume of blood.
What is RBC (Red Blood Cell count)?
This test is frequently used to measure the levels of enzymes like ALT and AST, which can indicate liver damage or disease.
What is a liver panel?
This lab value is typically elevated in response to inflammation, infection, or tissue injury, including in cases of acute coronary syndrome.
What is C-reactive protein (CRP)?
An elevated level of this electrolyte may indicate dehydration or kidney disease, while a low level can be a sign of excessive fluid loss.
What is sodium (Na+)?
An increased level of this ABG component can indicate metabolic acidosis.
What is bicarbonate (HCO3)?
This lab test is used to measure the concentration of glucose in the blood.
What is fasting blood glucose?
This procedure involves using a thin tube inserted into the heart to check for blockages or other issues.
What is a coronary angiogram?
This lab test assesses the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in the blood and can indicate anemia or dehydration.
What is hemoglobin (Hgb)?
This test measures waste products in the blood and is commonly used to evaluate kidney function.
A decrease in pCO2 and a decrease in HCO3 indicate this type of acid-base disturbance.
What is metabolic acidosis?
This test measures the number of white blood cells and is commonly used to detect infection or inflammation.
What is WBC (White Blood Cell count)?
This imaging technique uses radio waves and strong magnets to produce detailed images of soft tissues and organs.
What is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)?
This peptide is elevated in heart failure and is used to assess the severity of the condition.
What is BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide)?
This electrolyte imbalance is often seen in patients with renal failure and can lead to arrhythmias.
What is hyperkalemia?
This condition is characterized by an increase in both pCO2 and HCO3, often seen in respiratory acidosis with renal compensation.
What is compensated respiratory acidosis?