Biochemistry Basics and Testing

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Questions and Answers

What is hypokalaemia primarily associated with?

High potassium intake

Excessive exercise

Kidney overactivity

Severe vomiting and dehydration (correct)

Which of the following is an important role of cholesterol?

Regulating blood pressure

Storing calcium in bones

Producing hormones and bile (correct)

Filtering waste from blood

What is considered a concern with high levels of LDL cholesterol?

Increases risk of heart disease (correct)

Enhances muscle growth

It improves heart health

Reduces stroke risk

Which condition could lead to high levels of creatinine?

Renal dysfunction Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of albumin in the body?

Keeping fluid in blood and transporting vitamins, enzymes, and hormones Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause for high levels of LDL cholesterol?

Genetic predisposition Signup and view all the answers

What does a higher creatinine level indicate in relation to GFR?

A lower GFR and kidney dysfunction Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence the reference range of biochemical results?

The individual's favorite food Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is not a cause of high LDL cholesterol?

High water intake Signup and view all the answers

What could cause hypoalbuminaemia?

Malnutrition Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is likely associated with hyperalbuminaemia?

High protein diet Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of testing creatinine levels?

To evaluate renal function Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does not typically lead to hypokalaemia?

Moderate exercise Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about bicarbonate is incorrect?

It is primarily a storage form of glucose Signup and view all the answers

Which condition would most likely lead to metabolic alkalosis?

Vomiting Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the treatments for high creatinine levels?

Treat underlying conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of albumin, and what does it signify?

21 days; reflects chronic changes in nutritional status Signup and view all the answers

In what situation should biochemical information NOT be used?

As a sole diagnostic tool Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of metabolic acidosis?

Excessive protein intake Signup and view all the answers

Why should cost vs benefit be considered in ordering tests?

Tests can be expensive and may not always be necessary Signup and view all the answers

What role does iron play in the body?

Transport of oxygen in blood and muscle Signup and view all the answers

Which condition contributes to low iron levels?

Inadequate dietary intake Signup and view all the answers

What is transferrin's primary function?

Transporting iron in the blood Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign of high iron levels in the body?

Haemochromatosis Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about ferritin is true?

It stores iron in the liver and bone marrow. Signup and view all the answers

What treatment is usually recommended for anemia of chronic disease?

Epo medication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions can lead to poor absorption of iron?

Coeliac disease Signup and view all the answers

What happens to transferrin levels when the body is low on iron?

Transferrin levels increase Signup and view all the answers

What is the possible consequence of chronic blood loss related to iron levels?

Iron deficiency Signup and view all the answers

What might be a reason for high transferrin saturation levels?

Excessive iron intake Signup and view all the answers

What condition is indicated by high levels of evaporated alk phos in the blood?

Biliary tract obstruction Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of hypomagnesemia?

Respiratory dysfunction Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can lead to neutropenia?

Severe burns Signup and view all the answers

What condition is associated with elevated levels of phosphates in the blood?

Renal disease Signup and view all the answers

What can cause thrombocytopenia?

Viral infections Signup and view all the answers

Increased levels of which enzyme typically indicate liver dysfunction?

ALT Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of magnesium in the body?

Energy metabolism Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of hypermagnesemia?

Excess consumption of magnesium supplements Signup and view all the answers

Chronic depletion of phosphate can lead to which condition?

Osteomalacia Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely cause of leukocytosis?

Infections Signup and view all the answers

Following which condition would you expect elevated alkaline phosphatase levels?

Biliary diseases Signup and view all the answers

What role do neutrophils play in the immune system?

Pathogen defense Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a possible treatment for hypophosphatemia?

Phosphate supplementation Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effect of antibiotics on neutrophil levels?

Decrease neutrophil production Signup and view all the answers

What electrolyte assists with nerve function and muscle contraction?

Potassium Signup and view all the answers

What condition can lead to high levels of potassium in the blood?

Impaired renal function Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a cause of hypokalaemia?

Excessive sweating Signup and view all the answers

What typically causes hypernatremia?

Dehydration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following treatments is indicated for hyperkalaemia?

Fluid restriction Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for potassium levels in mmol/L?

3.5-5.2 Signup and view all the answers

What condition is caused by excessively low sodium levels?

Hyponatraemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method for treating hypokalaemia?

Potassium supplementation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications is commonly associated with high triglyceride levels?

Beta-blockers Signup and view all the answers

What causes a breakdown of red blood cells that can lead to hyperkalaemia?

Tissue injury Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of uraemia?

Dehydration Signup and view all the answers

What can result from severe blood loss?

Decrease in blood volume Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is linked to high triglyceride levels?

Severe liver disease Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a cause of hypokalaemia?

Fluid retention Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biochemistry Explained

Biochemistry tests are important for tailoring treatment plans.
However, they should not be used in isolation and should be considered alongside the whole clinical picture.
Biochemistry results guide treatment and dietary recommendations.
Do not use this information alone to diagnose any medical condition.
Consult a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Medication and supplementation should be considered alongside biochemistry results.
Tests can only be requested through a medical officer.
Consider cost vs. benefit, especially when considering expensive tests.

Reference Ranges

Reference ranges for biochemistry tests vary depending on the facility, lab conducting the test, age, and gender of the individual.

Albumin

Albumin is a protein produced by the liver.
It helps keep fluids in the blood and transports vitamins, enzymes, and hormones.
Hypoalbuminaemia (low albumin) indicates inflammation, infection, surgery, liver disease, renal disease, diabetes, or malnutrition.
Hyperalbuminaemia (high albumin) can be caused by dehydration, a high protein diet, or certain medications.
Treat the underlying condition, an infusion is not a long-term solution.
The half-life of albumin is around 21 days, so levels reflect chronic changes rather than acute changes.
Factors other than diet, such as hydration and exercise, can affect albumin levels.

Bicarbonate

Bicarbonate is a byproduct of metabolism.
It travels through the blood to the lungs and is exhaled as CO2.
It is excreted and reabsorbed by the kidneys to regulate pH (acid-base balance).
Values are altered with liver, respiratory, and renal disease.
Metabolic acidosis (low bicarbonate) can be caused by diarrhea, renal disease, liver failure.
Metabolic alkalosis (high bicarbonate) can be caused by vomiting, laxatives, dehydration, or eating disorders.
Treat the underlying condition.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a structural component of cell membranes, essential for hormone production and bile synthesis.
High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
High LDL cholesterol is a concern and can be caused by poor dietary choices, lack of exercise, genetics, obesity, smoking, age, and diabetes.
Low HDL cholesterol is a concern and can be caused by obesity, refined carbohydrates, low exercise, and certain medications.

Creatinine

Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles.
It is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine.
Creatinine levels are used to evaluate kidney function alongside urine protein levels.
High creatinine levels can be caused by acute or chronic renal failure, infection, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, urinary tract issues, and drug toxicity.
Treat the underlying condition, dialysis may be required.

Iron

Iron is involved in oxygen transport in the blood, oxygen storage in muscles, immune function, and is a component of enzymes used for energy production.
Serum iron refers to iron in the liquid part of the blood.
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the liver and bone marrow, providing a measure of stored iron.
Transferrin is the main iron transport protein, produced relative to the body's needs.
Transferrin saturation reflects how much iron the transferrin can hold.
Low iron can be due to inadequate dietary intake, acute or chronic infections, poor absorption, or blood loss.
High iron can be caused by hemochromatosis and requires treatment like chelation or blood removal.
Treatment for iron deficiency depends on the cause, including dietary manipulation, medication, transfusion, or treating the underlying problem.
Epo medication is usually prescribed for anemia of chronic disease.

Anemia

Iron deficiency Anemia usually occurs under conditions of low iron in the blood.
Anemia of chronic disease can also have low iron levels in the blood, but the low iron levels are also associated with inflammation and decreased iron absorption.
Iron deficiency anemia can be treated through diet and with supplemental iron.
Anemia of chronic disease might require iron transfusions, and if the hemoglobin is low, blood transfusions may be required as well.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Elevated ALT can be caused by viral hepatitis, alcohol use, medications, liver cancer, liver disease, heart failure, obesity, and sepsis.
Elevated AST can be elevated due to chronic liver disease and can be higher than ALT in alcoholic liver disease.
AST levels can remain elevated for months, even after the cause of the elevation has been resolved.
Normal or slightly elevated AST levels can indicate excessive parenteral nutrition, biliary tract infection, or long-term nil per gut (parenteral nutrition used).
Low levels of AST can indicate hyperparathyroidism, blood transfusion, zinc deficiency, or severe PEM (Protein Energy Malnutrition).

Magnesium

Magnesium plays a crucial role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
Normal Magnesium levels are between 0.75-1.1mmol/L.
Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium) can result from increased renal losses, dietary inadequacy, alcoholism, diarrhoea, medications (diuretics, proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics), acute pancreatitis, gastric bypass, refeeding, and treatment involves supplementation.
Hypermagnesemia (high magnesium) is uncommon but can occur in individuals with renal impairment who consume excessive magnesium supplements (oral or IV).

Neutrophils

Neutrophils are white blood cells that are important for the immune response to infection and inflammation.
Neutropenia (low neutrophils) can be caused by cancer, severe infection, medications (chemotherapy, radiotherapy), autoimmune disorders, aplastic anaemia, or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF).
Leukocytosis (high neutrophils) can be caused by medications, stress, burns, pregnancy, splenectomy, smoking, obesity, cancers (leukemia).

Phosphate

Phosphate is an electrolyte that plays a vital role in energy production, nerve function, bone strength, and tooth formation.
Normal phosphate levels are between 0.75-1.5mmol/L
Hypophosphatemia (low phosphate) can result from malnutrition, alcoholism, severe burns, diarrhoea, diabetic ketoacidosis, medications (diuretics, antacids, corticosteroids), and refeeding.
Critical low phosphate can lead to osteomalacia, neuromuscular disturbances like encephalopathy, respiratory depression, seizures, and coma.
Hyperphosphatemia (high phosphate) can occur due to renal disease, hypocalcaemia, uncontrolled diabetes, dietary phosphate restriction, phosphate binders, and can be secondary to blood loss, trauma, surgery, malignancy, or viral infections.

Platelets

Platelets (thrombocytes) are colourless blood cells that help form blood clots to stop or slow bleeding and play a role in wound healing.
Thrombocytopenia (low platelets) can be caused by leukemia and other cancers, certain types of anaemia, viral infections (hepatitis C, HIV), chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Thrombocytosis (high platelets) can be secondary to blood loss from trauma, surgery, malignancy, viral infections, and even smoking.

Phosphate

Low phosphate levels can be caused by heavy alcohol consumption and certain medications like heparin, quinine, and anticonvulsants.
Phosphate retention is not common and is usually seen in people with severe blood loss, such as those who have undergone major surgery or trauma.

Potassium

Potassium is an electrolyte that assists with nerve function, muscle contraction, regulates heartbeat, and the movement of nutrients in and waste products out of cells.
Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can be caused by vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, antibiotic therapy, hypomagnesemia, poor dietary intake, refeeding, and certain medical conditions.
High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can be caused by impaired renal function, dehydration, medications, type 1 diabetes, destruction of red blood cells due to tissue injury, and medical conditions like Addison's disease.
High potassium levels can also be caused by constipation.
Hypokalemia or recurrent need for potassium repletion may be linked to underlying magnesium deficiency.
Hyperkalemia can be treated by potassium restriction or medication.

Sodium

Sodium is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance in cells and plays a key role in normal nerve and muscle function.
Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) can be caused by overhydration, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive hydration, medical conditions like hypothyroidism, certain medications like diuretics, and SIADH (syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone).
High sodium levels (hypernatremia) can be caused by dehydration, vomiting, renal disease, poorly controlled diabetes, diabetes insipidus, certain medications, and recreational drugs.
Hyponatremia is treated by fluid restriction or IV therapy.
Hypernatremia is treated with IV therapy.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in blood that is stored in fat cells and released for energy following hormonal response.
High triglyceride levels can be caused by medications, parental nutrition, obesity, poorly managed diabetes, excessive alcohol intake, genetic predisposition, liver disease, and renal disease.

Urea

Urea is a byproduct of ammonia breakdown that occurs in the liver where it is filtered and excreted in urine.
Low urea levels can be caused by low protein intake, severe liver disease, and severe malnutrition.
High urea levels (uraemia) can be caused by breakdown of lean tissues, excessive protein administration, dehydration, impaired kidney function, especially in individuals with chronic heart failure due to poor blood perfusion of the kidneys.
Dialysis may be required for individuals with renal failure.

White Blood Cells

Low white blood cell count can indicate low immunocompetence, often secondary to chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
High white blood cell count can indicate upregulated immunocompetence, often associated with infection or inflammation, leukaemia, trauma, or stress.

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Description

Explore the essential concepts of biochemistry and its pivotal role in healthcare. This quiz covers topics such as biochemistry tests, reference ranges, and the significance of proteins like albumin in clinical settings. Understand how to interpret results and the importance of professional consultation.