Title : Bicarbonate |
| Short Description : Blood test |
Description :
Explanation of Test: Bicarbonate functions as an important buffer component and blood levels are regulated by the kidneys. Bicarbonate is considered to be the metabolic component of the blood gases panel. A decrease in bicarbonate with associated metabolic acidosis occurs in conditions such as diabetic acidosis, renal failure or cardiac arrest. An increase in bicarbonate in metabolic alkalosis condition may indicate excessive loss of acids through the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract such as vomiting. (see Blood Gases) |
Reference range: 19-31 mmol/L
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Title : Bilirubin, direct & total |
Short Description : Blood test |
| Description :
Explanation of Test: This measurement is important in evaluating liver function, haemolytic anaemia and differentiating types of jaundice. Bilirubin, a breakdown product of haemoglobin, is a by-product of catabolism of old red blood cells. This bilirubin, known as unconjugated bilirubin is changed chemically in the liver and excreted through the bile. Chemically-changed bilirubin is known as conjugated or "direct-bilirubin" and the unchanged bilirubin, "indirect-bilirubin". |
| Routine examination measures only total bilirubin (which includes both forms of bilirubin). When levels are elevated then direct-bilirubin measurements is required to differentiate the types of bilirubin. Increased levels of total bilirubin may indicate hepatocellular disease, hepatitis or cirrhosis. Jaundice is observed when total bilirubin levels exceed 42.5 mol/L. The bilirubin seeps into the tissues, which assumes a yellow hue. |
| Elevated direct-bilirubin levels (chemically changed) are related to obstruction of flow of chemically-changed bilirubin to the bile. Conditions causing this may include stones, tumours, viral hepatitis or bile duct diseases. . |
Elevated indirect bilirubin may indicate excessive destruction of red blood cells such as the case of haemolytic diseases, or hepatocellular injury such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. |
| Reference range: adult direct: 2-7 mol/L; adult total: 3-24 mol/L |
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