ORGAN FUNCTION TESTS
PREPARED BY MR. ABHIJIT DAS
RENAL FUNCTION TESTS:
These are tests to check how well kidneys are
working.
1.
BUN Test (Blood Urea Nitrogen):
Measures the level of urea nitrogen in blood, reflecting how well kidneys are
filtering waste products. Normal range: 7-20 mg/dL. Elevated
levels may indicate kidney dysfunction or
dehydration.
2.
Creatinine Test:
Assesses the level of creatinine in blood, indicating how efficiently kidneys
are removing waste products. Normal range: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL for adult males,
0.5-1.1 mg/dL for adult females. Elevated levels can
suggest kidney dysfunction.
3.
GFR Test (Glomerular Filtration
Rate): Determines how effectively your kidneys are
filtering waste from the blood per minute. Normal range: Above 120 mL/min. A lower
GFR may indicate kidney damage or
dysfunction.
4.
Urine Analysis:
·
Visual Color and Clarity:
Observes the color and clarity of urine,
which can indicate hydration status and potential health issues. Normal color:
Pale yellow to amber; normal clarity: Clear.
·
Dipstick Test:
Uses a chemical strip to detect abnormalities in urine, such as the presence of blood, protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin,
and nitrites. Abnormal results may suggest various kidney or urinary
tract conditions.
·
Microscopic Examination:
Examines urine sediment under a microscope to detect cells,
crystals, bacteria, or other substances not visible to the naked eye.
Normal findings include few to no red blood cells, white blood cells,
epithelial cells, and crystals.
5.
Kidney Imaging Test (CT/MRI): Imaging techniques
used to visualize the kidneys and surrounding structures.
These tests can identify abnormalities such as tumors, cysts, or kidney stones
that may affect kidney function.
LIVER FUNCTION TESTS:
Liver function tests (LFTs) are a group of blood tests used to assess the
health and function of the liver. They measure various substances in the blood
that indicate how well the liver is working and whether it is damaged or
diseased.
1. ALT
(Alanine Aminotransferase): ALT is an enzyme found mostly in
the liver. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, ALT leaks into the
bloodstream. High levels of ALT in the blood
may indicate liver injury or disease.
·
Normal Range: 7 to 56 units per liter
(U/L) for men; 5 to 36 U/L for women.
2. AST
(Aspartate Aminotransferase): AST is another enzyme
found in the liver, as well as other organs like the heart and muscles. Elevated levels of AST may indicate liver damage or heart
issues.
·
Normal Range: 8 to 48 U/L for men; 7 to
40 U/L for women.
3. ALP
(Alkaline Phosphatase): ALP is an enzyme found in the
liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system. Elevated
ALP levels may indicate liver or bone issues.
·
Normal Range: 44 to 147 U/L for adults.
4. Bilirubin:
Bilirubin is a yellowish substance produced during the normal breakdown of red
blood cells. Elevated levels of bilirubin may
indicate liver or bile duct problems.
·
Normal Range: Total bilirubin: 0.3 to
1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL); Direct bilirubin: 0.0 to 0.3 mg/dL.
5. Albumin:
Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. It helps maintain fluid balance in
the body. Low levels of albumin may indicate liver
disease or malnutrition.
·
Normal Range: 3.4 to 5.4 grams per
deciliter (g/dL).
6. Prothrombin
Time (PT): PT measures how long it takes for blood to clot.
The liver produces proteins necessary for blood clotting, so prolonged PT can indicate liver dysfunction.
·
Normal Range: 11 to 13.5 seconds.
THYROID FUNCTION TESTS:
1.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone):
TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates thyroid hormone
production. High TSH levels may indicate an
underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), while low levels may indicate an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
·
Normal Range: 0.4 to 4.0
milli-international units per liter (mIU/L).
2.
Free T4 (Free Thyroxine)
and Total T4 (Total Thyroxine): T4 is a thyroid hormone that helps
regulate metabolism. In hypothyroidism (underactive
thyroid), Free T4 and Total T4 levels may be decreased.
Conversely, in hyperthyroidism (overactive
thyroid), Free T4 and Total T4 levels may be elevated.
·
Normal Range: Free T4: 0.9 to 1.8
nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL); Total T4: 4.5 to 11.2 micrograms per deciliter
(μg/dL).
3.
Free T3 (Free Triiodothyronine)
and Total T3 (Total Triiodothyronine): T3 is another thyroid hormone
that is more potent than T4. In hypothyroidism,
Free T3 and Total T3 levels may be decreased.
Conversely, in hyperthyroidism, Free T3 and
Total T3 levels may be elevated.
·
Normal Range: Free T3: 2.3 to 4.2
picograms per milliliter (pg/mL); Total T3: 80 to 200 nanograms per deciliter
(ng/dL).
4.
Thyroid Antibodies:
These tests detect antibodies produced by the immune system that may attack the
thyroid gland. Elevated levels may indicate autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's
thyroiditis or Graves' disease.
5.
Thyroglobulin:
Thyroglobulin is a protein produced by the thyroid gland. Elevated levels may indicate thyroid cancer.
6.
Thyroid Ultrasound:
This imaging test uses sound waves to create pictures of the thyroid gland. It
helps evaluate the size, shape, and structure of
the thyroid and detect abnormalities.