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Chemistry Screen

Test Overview

A chemistry screen is a blood test that measures the levels of several substances in the blood (such as electrolytes, Opens dialog). A chemistry screen tells your doctor about your general health, helps look for certain problems, and finds out whether treatment for a specific problem is working.

Some chemistry screens look at more substances in the blood than others do. For example, a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) looks at more substances in the blood than a basic metabolic panel (BMP). The type of chemistry screen you have done depends on what information your doctor is looking for.

A chemistry screen may include tests for:

  • Albumin.
  • Alkaline phosphatase.
  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
  • Bilirubin (total and direct).
  • Blood glucose.
  • Blood urea nitrogen.
  • Calcium (Ca).
  • Carbon dioxide (bicarbonate).
  • Chloride (Cl).
  • Creatinine and creatinine clearance.
  • Potassium (K).
  • Sodium (Na).
  • Total serum protein.

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Why It Is Done

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.