A blood test measures the levels of certain substances in the blood. Deviations from the tolerance values indicate to the doctor whether a disease is present. Which blood value indicates which illness?

 

Albumin

Albumin is the fluid distributor in the liver. Deviations from normal values may indicate a kidney disorder, liver cirrhosis or malnutrition.

 

Alkaline phosphatase

This is an enzyme that is found in bones, muscles and liver. An elevated value indicates a tissue disease in these areas.

 

Antithrombin III (AT 3)

AT 3 regulates blood clotting and prevents thrombosis. A low value indicates an increased risk of thrombosis.

 

Bilirubin

Bilirubin is the yellow bile pigment that is formed when red blood cells are broken down. Too high a bilirubin level results in jaundice.

 

C-reactive protein (CRP)

The protein produced in the liver is part of the body's immune system. If the CRP value is elevated, an inflammation is present.

 

Fibrinogen

A blood clotting protein. An elevated value indicates inflammation or a tumour, a low value indicates liver damage.

 

FT3 and FT4

Deviations in the levels of these two thyroid hormones indicate an overactive or underactive thyroid.

 

Gamma GT (GGT)

Liver disease may be present if the GGT value is elevated.

 

Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT, AST)

An enzyme that is responsible for accelerating the metabolism. Deviations in the value indicate non-specific diseases.

 

Glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT,ALT)

Too high a GPT value indicates liver damage and muscle diseases.

 

HDL

HDL is the "good cholesterol". Too high a level increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

 

Haematocrit (Hk)

Hk indicates the level of red blood cells in the blood.

 

Haemoglobin (Hb)

Haemoglobin is the name for the red blood pigment that regulates the oxygen content in the blood. Too little haemoglobin indicates iron deficiency or disorders of blood formation.

 

HbA1c

The value indicates the blood sugar level up to 8 weeks back.

 

Creatinine

Elevated creatinine levels indicate impaired kidney function.

 

Creatine kinase (CK)

The CK value provides information about the diagnosis of a heart attack.

 

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

Elevated LDH levels in the blood indicate cell or organ damage.

 

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)

The PSA value is used for the early detection of prostate cancer.

 

Rheumatoid factor

The rheumatoid factor increases in rheumatic diseases.