Liver Let Die
This enzyme is most specific for liver cell damage.
What is ALT?
(ALT stands for Alanine Aminotransferase. Enzyme found primarily in the liver that helps convert amino acids into energy. Elevated levels may indicate liver damage or inflammation.)
This cholesterol is most associated with atherosclerotic plaque formation.
“What is LDL?”
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol
This lab is the most sensitive for detecting thyroid dysfunction.
“What is TSH?”
This is the most common pathogen in uncomplicated UTIs.
“What is E. coli?”
This blood test includes glucose, electrolytes, renal and liver markers.
“What is the CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel)?”
This anemia shows a low MCV and low ferritin level.
“What is iron deficiency anemia?”
An AST:ALT ratio >2:1 is typically found in this condition.
“What is alcoholic hepatitis?”
These two values are used to calculate the ASCVD 10-year risk score.
“What are total cholesterol and HDL?”
HDL cholesterol is a specific type of cholesterol known as "good" cholesterol.
A high TSH and low free T4 indicate this condition.
“What is primary hypothyroidism?”
The presence of both leukocyte esterase and nitrites increases the likelihood of this.
“What is a urinary tract infection?”
Creatinine and this lab are used to estimate renal function.
“What is GFR (glomerular filtration rate)?”
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test that measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste and excess water from your blood, which is a key indicator of kidney function
This vitamin deficiency causes macrocytic anemia and neurologic symptoms.
“What is vitamin B12 deficiency?”
Elevated ALP and bilirubin with mild or no transaminase elevation points to this issue.
“What is cholestasis or biliary obstruction?”
("ALP" stands for Alkaline Phosphatase, an enzyme found in the blood that helps break down proteins and is used as a marker for liver and bone health.) Mild or no elevation of AST/ALT. THINK obstruction or infiltration.
Triglycerides over 500 increase the risk of this painful condition.
“What is pancreatitis?”
This autoimmune condition is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
“What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?”
Positive microalbumin in a diabetic patient may indicate this complication
“What is diabetic nephropathy?”
This test should be performed before starting metformin.
“What is creatinine or eGFR?”
This RBC index measures the variation in red blood cell size.
“What is RDW?”
This protein reflects the liver’s ability to synthesize and is often low in chronic liver disease
“What is albumin?”
An albumin blood test, which measures the amount of albumin in your blood, can be ordered as a standalone test or as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) or liver panel.
This inherited disorder causes very high LDL levels in young adults. The patients might present the following in physical exam: Tendon xanthomas and corneal arcus.
“What is familial hypercholesterolemia?”
A suppressed TSH and elevated free T4 suggest this diagnosis
“What is hyperthyroidism?”
This number of epithelial cells in a UA indicates contamination.
“What is more than 3 per high power field?”
"A potassium level of 6.2 in a patient on lisinopril should prompt you to check this next."
"What is an EKG?"
“Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening arrhythmias. Look for peaked T waves or widened QRS.”
These two labs help differentiate anemia of chronic disease from iron-deficiency anemia.
“What are TIBC and ferritin?”
This liver function test may be elevated due to bone growth in kids or pregnancy.
“What is alkaline phosphatase (ALP)?”
This is the most effective lifestyle intervention for increasing HDL.
“What is aerobic exercise?”
Aerobic exercise increases HDL (good cholesterol) levels primarily by increasing lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity, which is crucial for the formation of HDL and the breakdown of triglycerides, and by reducing HDL apolipoprotein catabolism
These antibodies are present in Graves’ disease.
“What are TSI or TRAb antibodies?”
TSI (thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin) and TRAb (thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies) are antibodies that bind to the TSH receptor on thyroid cells, and TSI is a specific type of TRAb that stimulates thyroid hormone production, potentially leading to Graves' disease.
This is the gold standard test to confirm a UTI.
“What is a urine culture with sensitivity?”
"This CMP component is a rough proxy for serum bicarbonate and gives insight into metabolic acidosis or alkalosis."
What is CO₂?
Low CO₂ = acidosis (DKA, diarrhea). High CO₂ = alkalosis (vomiting, diuretics).
This type of anemia has a normal MCV and is commonly seen in chronic kidney disease.
“What is normocytic normochromic anemia?”
What lab test can be helpful to monitor alcohol abstinence?
What is GGT? Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase: It typically returns to normal within 2-6 weeks after stopping drinking alcohol.
What is the most tolerated statin?
Pravastatin (hydrophillic so does not cross into muscle tissue or brain).
Pretibial Myxedema is found in physical exam in this condition.
What is Graves' Disease
What you as a clinician would do if patient has UTI symptoms including pelvic pain with a negative UA.
What is a pelvic exam?
"This electrolyte must be corrected for albumin when interpreting total levels on a CMP."
What is calcium?
If albumin is low, total calcium may look falsely low. Use a correction formula or check ionized calcium.
"These foods/beverages inhibit iron absorption."
"What are Calcium, tea and coffee?"