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Biochemical blood test: what it shows and why it should be taken regularly
Have you suddenly felt unwell, have you experienced fatigue, pain, or changes in appetite? One of the first steps is to get a biochemical blood test. This basic test helps your doctor quickly assess the condition of your organs and metabolic processes. This test can detect abnormalities before obvious symptoms appear and start treatment in a timely manner.
What is a biochemical blood test?
A biochemical blood test is a laboratory test that determines the content of various substances in the blood: enzymes, proteins, electrolytes, fats, metabolic products. It is one of the key tools in diagnostics, monitoring of chronic diseases, routine examinations, and assessing the effectiveness of treatment.
According to Mayo Clinic, biochemical analysis covers a wide range of indicators related to the functioning of the liver, kidneys, heart, pancreas, metabolic balance and immune response.
Main indicators in biochemical analysis
The standard list usually includes:
Glucose — carbohydrate metabolism indicator
Creatinine and urea — assessment of kidney function
ALT and AST — liver enzymes, which indicate its condition
Bilirubin (total, direct, indirect) — diagnostics of liver and biliary tract function
Cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL, triglycerides) — lipid profile and risk of atherosclerosis
Albumin and total protein — protein metabolism
C-reactive protein (CRP) — inflammation marker
Minerals and electrolytes — calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium
Normal reference values
| Indicator | Adult norm |
|---|---|
| Glucose | 3.5–5.5 mmol/L |
| Creatinine | 62–115 μmol/l (h), 53–97 (w) |
| ALT | up to 41 U/l |
| AST | up to 38 U/l |
| Total bilirubin | 3.4–21 μmol/L |
| Cholesterol (total) | up to 5.2 mmol/l |
| Albumin | 35–50 g/l |
| Urea | 2.5–8.3 mmol/L |
| C-reactive protein | up to 5 mg/l |
Source: FDA
When to do blood biochemistry
with general deterioration of well-being
for monitoring chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, renal failure)
in preparation for operations
during pregnancy
if there is suspicion of liver, kidney, or heart dysfunction
with prolonged use of medications
to monitor the effectiveness of treatment
In accordance with WHO recommendations, laboratory diagnostics is an essential component of quality primary health care.
How to prepare for a biochemical analysis
To ensure accurate results:
do not eat for 8–12 hours before the test
Avoid fatty foods and alcohol the day before the test.
do not smoke an hour before blood collection
avoid physical exertion before the analysis
inform the doctor about any medications you are taking (some may affect the result)
How the doctor interprets the deviation
Elevated glucose — possible diabetes or stress reaction
Elevated ALT, AST — possible liver damage (hepatitis, toxic damage)
Elevated creatinine — kidney dysfunction
Low albumin — protein deficiency, impaired liver function
High CRP — acute or chronic inflammation, infection
Violation of mineral composition — heart, kidney, or metabolic problems
Biochemical blood test — is one of the fastest ways to check the internal state of the body. Its regular passage allows not only to control already known diagnoses, but also to detect new ones — even before they become noticeable. That is why this analysis should be included in the annual medical examination.
