Why it is performed
- Review general metabolic status.
- Assess kidney and liver function with clinical history.
- Monitor diabetes, dyslipidaemia, treatment or chronic disease.
- Detect abnormalities requiring confirmation or further investigation.
How it is performed
A blood sample is collected. After separating serum or plasma, an aliquot is applied to the appropriate reagent slide or support. Instrument reading converts the reaction into a quantitative result.
Preparation
- Confirm whether fasting is needed; water is usually allowed.
- Avoid intense exercise and alcohol before selected panels when instructed.
- Report supplements, biotin and medicines; do not stop anything without medical advice.
- Haemolysed, lipaemic or insufficient samples may require repeat collection.
How Askabide processes it
At Askabide
Available determinations are processed by dry-chemistry technology at each centre. Every analyte requires its own reagent, calibration, quality control and measuring range. Tests unavailable on site are referred.
The main analytical phase is performed in the centre’s laboratory, subject to availability and validation.
Results and indicative intervals
Intervals vary by method, analyser, reagent, units, age, sex, pregnancy, menstrual-cycle phase and reference population. The valid interval is the one printed on the laboratory report.
| Parameter or result | Indicative reference | How it is interpreted |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting glucose | 70–99 mg/dL | 100–125 mg/dL is commonly considered impaired fasting glucose; ≥126 requires diagnostic confirmation in the proper context. |
| Blood urea nitrogen | 6–20 mg/dL | Varies with hydration, diet, kidney function and catabolism. |
| Creatinine | ≈0,6–1,3 mg/dL | Interpret with age, muscle mass and estimated glomerular filtration rate. |
| Total calcium | 8,5–10,2 mg/dL | Albumin affects interpretation of total calcium. |
| Total protein | 6,0–8,3 g/dL | Mainly reflects albumin and globulins. |
| Albumin | 3,4–5,4 g/dL | May fall with liver or kidney disease, inflammation or malnutrition, among other causes. |
| AST | 8–33 U/L | Not liver-specific; muscle and other causes may increase it. |
| ALT | 4–36 U/L | Interpret with AST, GGT, alkaline phosphatase and clinical context. |
| Alkaline phosphatase | 20–130 U/L | Varies with age, growth, pregnancy, liver and bone status. |
| Total bilirubin | 0,1–1,2 mg/dL | Direct and indirect fractions may be required when elevated. |
| Sodium | 135–145 mmol/L | Major abnormalities require prompt clinical assessment. |
| Potassium | 3,5–5,1 mmol/L | Haemolysis may falsely raise it; critical values may affect the heart. |
Important limitations
- A normal panel does not exclude every disease.
- Intervals must match Askabide’s specific method.
- Some abnormalities reflect fasting, exercise, alcohol, supplements or sample quality.
- An isolated abnormality often needs repeat or additional testing before diagnosis.