WHAT IS BLOOD CHEMISTRY? - BIOLOGY - 2025

The blood chemistry refers to chemical compounds that are present in the blood. The analysis of these components can be very useful, because the amounts of different substances can help to know how the different systems of the body work.

Thanks to blood chemistry analyzes, it is possible to identify the patient's blood type. But in addition to that, it can help the diagnosis of some diseases or even detect a pregnancy.

Analysis of blood chemistry can help detect and prevent disease. Image source: pixabay.

The analysis of blood chemistry depends on previous analyzes where it has been established what are the normal levels of each substance or what diseases can be identified according to the amount of each substance.

The fact that everyone's blood is different is also considered, so some tests may show “out of the box” levels without representing an alert.

What is blood chemistry tested for?

Blood chemistry tests are used in many medical procedures to obtain information about the patient's health. Depending on the case, these analyzes can have very different objectives:

• As part of routine examinations that allow to know the general state of health. Thanks to these analyzes, it is possible to identify vulnerability to certain diseases in order to prevent them.
• To carry out differential diagnoses. The levels of some substances in the blood, accompanied by other physical studies can confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
• As a follow-up of a health condition or a specific treatment. Blood chemistry can tell how much of a drug is in the blood or even if the treatment is working.
• As a routine procedure before surgery or other medical procedure.

Information present in blood chemistry

Blood chemistry is a huge source of information about the characteristics of each organism.

Through a blood test it is possible to identify from the type of blood necessary for a transfusion, to the presence of external substances or serious diseases.

These are some examples of how substances in the blood can provide information about the functioning of the human body:

Blood group and RH factor

Different blood groups are determined by the presence of an antigen that is found on the surface of cells.

There are three types of antigen: A, B and AB, and there is also the possibility that there is no antigen, which characterizes blood group O.

On the other hand, RH factor is a protein that is present in the blood of most people, only 15% of human beings lack it in their blood fluid. Depending on the presence of this component, the RH positive or RH negative is established.

Both antigens and RH factor make each person's blood different. That is why it is necessary to identify these characteristics through a blood chemistry analysis for blood transfusions.

Hemogram

One of the routine check-ups that is done in these tests is the blood count, which consists of the white blood cell, red blood cell and platelet count.

The amount of hemoglobin and the mean corpuscular volume, that is, the size of the red blood cells, are also analyzed.

Thanks to this review it is possible to detect certain types of anemia caused by iron deficiency. It is also possible to identify a lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are mineral salts that are diluted in the blood. These include sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium.

These components play a very important role in the functioning of the body. For this reason, identifying electrolyte levels in the blood can help detect different ailments.

For example, when high levels of sodium are found, it is possible to identify anything from dehydration to liver failure.

Similarly, potassium can be an indicator of proper heart function. When very high or very low potassium levels are found, it can help identify a heart rate that is higher or lower than appropriate.

Ureic nitrogen and creatinine

Ureic nitrogen and creatinine are substances that allow us to identify the correct functioning of the kidneys.

Creatinine is a substance that the kidneys filter and produce, so its levels allow us to identify proper kidney function. When high amounts of creatinine are found in the blood, the cause is most likely kidney damage.

Ureic nitrogen is a waste resulting from the breakdown of proteins. For this reason, when an excess of this substance is found in the blood, it is interpreted as a sign of malfunction of the kidneys.

Cholesterol and triglycerides

Cholesterol is present in the blood in the company of a protein. The union between these two substances is known as lipoproteins. Thanks to the lipoprotein analysis, cholesterol levels can be identified.

When there are high levels of cholesterol in the blood, it builds up in the arteries and can cause heart attacks or strokes. For this reason, this analysis is essential in the prevention of heart conditions.

Hepatic enzymes

Blood tests also look for specific enzymes that can indicate liver function.

For example, levels of alkaline phosphatase, serum Glutamic-Pyruvic transaminase (sGPT), and serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (sGOT) indicate whether this organ is functioning properly.

Glucose

Glucose levels in the blood are an indicator of the body's ability to process sugars.

This substance is necessary to fuel the functions of the body, but if it is in very high or very low amounts, it can be dangerous for health.

The finding of high glucose levels allows to identify the existence of diabetes. In contrast, when low levels are found, different types of hypoglycemia can be identified.

Cardiac enzymes

There are enzymes that are released into the bloodstream when heart damage occurs. That is why, thanks to an analysis of blood chemistry, it is possible to identify this disease, only by the presence of these substances.

References

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4. WebMD. (SF). Chemistry Screen. Recovered from: webmd.com
5. Wisegeek. (SF) What is blood chemistry? Recovered from: wisegeekhealth.com.