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Patient Education

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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.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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