Why Get Tested?
To give your health care provider important information about the current status of your kidneys and liver as well as electrolyte and acid/base balance and levels of blood glucose and blood proteins; to monitor known conditions, such ashypertension, and to monitor the use of medications to check for any kidney- or liver-related side effects
When to Get Tested?
As part of a routine health exam; when you are being monitored for a specific condition or are taking medications that may impact your kidney or liver
Sample Required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
Test Preparation Needed?
You may need to fast for 10-12 hours prior to sample collection; follow any instructions you are given.
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT); albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio; albumin, serum; alkaline phosphatase, serum; aspartate aminotransferase (AST/SGOT); bilirubin, total; BUN; BUN:creatinine ratio; calcium, serum; carbon dioxide, total; chloride, serum; creatinine, serum; eGFR calculation; globulin, total; glucose, serum; potassium, serum; protein, total, serum; sodium, serum
Serum (preferred) or plasma
1 mL
0.5 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Gel-barrier tube (send entire tube) is preferred. Red-top tube or green-top (heparin) tube is acceptable.
Draw blood in gel-barrier tube and centrifuge. If red-top tube or green-top tube is used, centrifuge within 45 minutes of draw, remove the serum or plasma, and place in a transport tube and tightly stopper the tube.
Refrigerate
Patient should fast for 12 hours preceding collection of specimen.
See individual tests.
