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Learn MoreA blood chemistry study is a laboratory test performed to measure the amount of certain substances in the blood. These include electrolytes, enzymes, fats, proteins, and glucose (sugar).
Measuring these substances provides information about how a person’s organs such as the liver and kidneys are functioning. It is important to measure organ function during cancer treatment. An abnormal amount of a substance in the blood can be a sign of disease or side effect of treatment.
Blood chemistry studies are used to help diagnose and monitor many conditions before, during, and after treatment.
There are different types of blood chemistry studies. Many are grouped together in panels. Others may be ordered individually to screen or monitor disease processes.
Common panels include electrolyte, kidney, liver, basic metabolic, comprehensive metabolic, and lipid.
Some of the tests require fasting (not eating any food) before the test. The care team will tell patients how to prepare.
A blood chemistry study is a laboratory test performed to measure the amount of certain substances in the blood.
Measuring the amount of electrolytes, enzymes, fats, proteins, and glucose (sugar) in the blood provides information about how a person’s organs are functioning.
Some tests require fasting, not eating any food, before the test. The care team will tell patients how to prepare.
Blood chemistry studies may be grouped together in panels and ordered individually to screen or monitor disease processes.
Blood chemistry studies are used to help diagnose and monitor many conditions before, during, and after treatment.
Electrolytes are minerals that help maintain fluid levels and acid-base balance in the body. They include sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. Abnormal electrolyte levels may be a sign of dehydration, kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, or high blood pressure.
These tests evaluate kidney function. The tests measure levels of certain substances, include several minerals, proteins, glucose, and electrolytes. Substances measured may include albumin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Abnormal levels of these substances may be signs of kidney problems.
These tests evaluate liver function. Substances measured may include alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), bilirubin, albumin, and total protein. Abnormal levels of these substances may be signs of liver problems.
The basic metabolic panel is a group of tests that measures different chemicals in the blood. The tests can provide information about kidney and respiratory system function along with glucose levels, electrolyte and acid/base balance.
A comprehensive metabolic panel is a basic metabolic panel with the addition of liver function tests and certain blood proteins.
The lipid panel measures total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), and triglycerides. These may be used to evaluate nutrition or to monitor response to drug therapy.
Other tests may include thyroid and reproductive hormones, tumor markers, iron and vitamin status, and cardiac function.
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Reviewed: August 2018
Most childhood cancer patients have regular complete blood count (CBC) tests during their treatment. A complete blood counts measures the number of different types of blood cells.
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When your child is diagnosed with cancer, your care team will become like family. Doctors, nurses, and other health specialists provide treatment and care throughout diagnosis to treatment and follow-up.
