Download Serum Biochemistry - Trinity Veterinary Hospital

Trinity Veterinary Hospital
3100 N. Perkins Road, Stillwater, OK, 74075
Phone: (405) 533-0001
Fax: 405-533-0002
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.trinityveterinaryhospital.com
Serum Biochemistry
What is serum?
When blood clots, it separates into two parts – a clear pale yellow liquid called serum and a small
solid portion composed of blood cells.
Serum is collected by placing a tube of clotted blood in a machine called a centrifuge
centrifuge, which spins
the blood very quickly in a small circle, forcing the cells to the bottom of the tube and allowing the
serum to sit on top. The serum is then lifted off the top and placed in a fresh tube for testing.
What is serum biochemistry?
Serum biochemistry refers to the chemical analysis of serum. There are many substances in serum,
including proteins, enzymes, lipids, hormones etc. Testing for these various substances provides
information about the organs and tissues in the body as well as the metabolic state of the animal. If
a test result is abnormal, it may indicate that disease is present. Further assessment of the test
results may offer clues about which organ system is affected and also the nature and severity of the
disorder.
What is a biochemistry profile?
There are too many substances in serum to consider testing all of them each time a pet gets sick, so tests for the various
substances are arranged into smaller groups, called serum biochemistry panels or profiles
profiles. Each panel or profile is a
selected group of biochemistry tests designed to investigate a specific interest or concern.
"A selected group of serum biochemistry tests is called a serum biochemistry panel."
For example, a general health profile would include a wide range of tests with the aim of assessing a variety of organs,
while a kidney profilewould include a smaller number of tests related specifically to the kidney, and so on. A profile can be
simple or complex and your veterinarian will determine which profile is best suited to the needs of your pet.
What types of biochemistry tests would be included in a general health profile?
Proteins – total protein, albumin, globulin. The two main types of protein
found in blood are called Albumin and Globulin. These proteins can be
measured individually, or combined into a single test called Total Protein,
which measures all protein in the sample. Albumin levels can indicate if a
patient is dehydrated, and can provide information about the function of
the liver, kidneys and digestive system. Globulin levels reflect underlying
inflammation and/or antibody production. Increased levels of globulins are
often associated with infectious diseases, immune-mediated disease, and
some types of cancer.
Liver Enzymes – ALT, ALP. There are many different liver enzymes, but the
two that appear in most profiles are Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and
alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The first enzyme is typically found when the
cells of the liver are stressed or damaged. The second enzyme is generally
increased when bile flow in the liver is reduced.
Bilirubin - Bilirubin is a pigment produced primarily in the liver that is associated with the breakdown of hemoglobin from
red blood cells. Bilirubin is stored in the gall bladder as a component of bile. Increases in bilirubin are associated with
increased red cell destruction or decreased bile flow through the liver.
Kidney tests – Urea, Creatinine. The two substances most commonly measured to assess kidney function are Urea (also
called blood urea nitrogen or BUN) and Creatinine. Urea is a by-product of protein breakdown; it is produced in the liver
and excreted from the body by the kidney. Increases in BUN may indicate dehydration, gastrointestinal bleeding, cardiac
disease, or primary kidney disease. Decreases in BUN are associated with over hydration, liver failure, or reduced protein
intake in the diet. Creatinine is a by-product of muscle metabolism and it is excreted entirely by the kidney. Increased
levels of creatinine indicate decreased kidney function.
Pancreatic Enzymes – amylase, lipase, PLI. Two commonly
measured pancreatic enzymes are Amylase and Lipase. Increases
in these enzymes may occur when the pancreas is inflamed,
although they can also be elevated with kidney or intestinal
disease, and when certain drugs are used. They are not very
reliable indicators of pancreatitis. A newer test for pancreatic
inflammation called pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) is
more reliable because it rises only with pancreatic inflammation
(see articles on Pancreas-specific lipase).
Glucose – This is also called blood sugar. A persistently high
blood sugar is associated with diabetes mellitus, also known as
"sugar diabetes." A temporary rise in blood sugar is commonly
found in cats associated with the excitement of visiting the
veterinarian; this stress response can make it difficult to diagnose
diabetes mellitus in some cats.
Low blood sugar can be found in newborn animals, some very small breeds of dogs, and high performance dogs, such as
hunting dogs, that exercise extensively. Low blood sugar is also associated with some types of cancer, bacterial infections,
or insulin overdose in diabetic patients. False low glucose values often occur when a blood sample is not stored correctly
after collection.
Calcium and Phosphorus - These minerals are present in tiny amounts in blood, and changes, either up or down, may be
associated with a variety of diseases or conditions. For example, persistently high calcium levels may indicate the presence
of kidney disease, cancer, or disease of the parathyroid glands, while low calcium levels may be due to pancreatitis,
antifreeze poisoning, or disease of the parathyroid gland. High phosphorus levels are associated with kidney failure and
some nutritional problems. Low phosphorous level can occur with dietary problems, gastrointestinal disease, and kidney
disease etc.
Muscle Enzymes – CK, AST. ALT. Creatinine kinase (CK) is the enzyme most frequently measured to assess injury. Of lesser
importance are the enzymes Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which are also used to
assess liver function. Increased muscle enzyme levels are often found with muscular activity (exercise, exertion, convulsions
etc.) as well as trauma and muscle inflammation.
Cholesterol - Cholesterol is produced in the liver as part of fat metabolism. Increases in cholesterol are associated with
hormonal and metabolic diseases, liver disease, and serious kidney disease.
Electrolytes - The most important electrolytes are Potassium, Chloride, Sodium, and Bicarbonate. These substances are
present in blood in small quantities, and each electrolyte has a different role to play in the body. Collectively, electrolytes
help to maintain blood and tissue fluids in balanced state. Disturbances in electrolytes are often caused by vomiting,
diarrhea, and kidney disease, and accompany many serious metabolic disorders.
This client information sheet is based on material written by: Kristiina Ruotsalo, DVM, DVSc, Dip ACVP & Margo S. Tant BSc, DVM, DVSc
© Copyright 2015 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license.