Chemistry Tests Overview

What is the normal range for ammonia levels in the blood?

Which factor can interfere with the ammonia test results?

What is one purpose of measuring ammonia levels in the blood?

What condition is linked to elevated levels of ammonia in the blood?

Which of the following drugs can decrease blood ammonia levels?

What is the primary purpose of laboratory tests in healthcare?

What distinguishes normal ranges from reference ranges in laboratory results?

What do critical values in laboratory tests indicate?

How does albumin function in the body?

What does a low albumin level indicate?

Which specimen types are typically used for chemistry tests?

Which statement about the albumin test is true?

What effect do certain drugs have on serum albumin levels?

Chemistry Tests

Chemistry tests analyze chemical components in bodily fluids like blood and urine for identifying abnormalities.
Albumin (AL) measures albumin, a protein produced by the liver that maintains osmotic pressure.
- Normal range: 35–50 g/L
- Indicates: Liver disease, malnutrition, chronic edema, cancer.
- Interfering factors: Aspirin, bicarbonates, corticosteroids, salicylates.
- Lower results may indicate: Malnutrition, liver disease, ascites, inflammatory disease, autoimmune disorder, GI malabsorption syndromes, pregnancy.
- Higher results may indicate: Severe dehydration.
Ammonia (AMM, NH3) measures ammonia levels in the blood, which are produced by protein breakdown.
- Normal range: 6–47 mcmol/L
- Indicates: Severe liver diseases.
- Interfering factors: Smoking, high-protein or low-protein diets, certain medications.
- Lower results may indicate: Essential or malignant hypertension.
- Higher results may indicate: Liver disease (cirrhosis or hepatitis), Reye syndrome, heart failure, kidney failure, severe bleeding from stomach or intestines.
Amylase (AMY) measures amylase, an enzyme produced by the pancreas and salivary glands.
- Normal range: Varies depending on the method used and the lab.
- Indicates: Pancreatitis, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, mumps.
- Interfering factors: Certain medications.
- Lower results may indicate: Pancreatic insufficiency.
- Higher results may indicate: Pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, mumps, salivary gland inflammation.

This quiz covers essential information about chemistry tests, focusing on key components such as albumin and ammonia levels. You'll learn the normal ranges, clinical significance, and factors that can interfere with test results related to liver function and protein metabolism. Test your knowledge on how these tests can indicate various health conditions.