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SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY PROFILE
What is serum biochemistry?
Serum biochemistry refers to the chemical analysis of serum, which is a major
component of blood. The analysis can include many different tests, each of which
provides information about one or more organs in the body. If a test result is abnormal,
it may indicate that disease is present. Further
assessment of the test results may indicate which organ
system is affected, and may provide information about
the nature and severity of the problem.
What is a biochemistry profile?
There are many different serum biochemistry tests that
can be performed, and not every test needs to be done
each time. Your veterinarian will determine which group
of tests is best suited to the needs of your pet. . This
selected group of serum biochemistry tests is called a
serum biochemistry panel or serum biochemistry profile.
Most profiles are designed to assess a variety of organs,
but a profile can be as simple or complex as the doctor
wishes, and may be designed to target a specific organ.
What tests are included in a typical biochemistry
profile?
A blood sample is spun down
to separate the cells from the
serum.
Proteins – The two main types of protein found in blood
are called Albumin and Globulin. These proteins can be measured individually, or
combined in a single test called Total Protein. Albumin levels can indicate if a patient is
dehydrated, and can provide information about the function of the liver, kidneys and
digestive system. Globulin levels reflect underlying inflammation and/or antibody
production. Increased levels of globulins are often associated with infectious diseases,
immune-mediated disease, and some types of cancer.
Liver Enzymes - The most commonly used liver tests measure the following enzymes:
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline
phosphatase (ALP), and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT). The first two enzymes are
often increased when there is liver cell inflammation, injury, or destruction. The last two
tend to increase when bile flow in the liver is decreased.
Bilirubin - Bilirubin is a pigment produced by the
breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells. It
is processed through the liver and stored in the
gall bladder as a component of bile. Increases in
bilirubin levels indicate either increased red cell
destruction, or decreased bile flow through the
liver.
Kidney tests - The two substances most
commonly measured to assess kidney function
are Urea (also called blood urea nitrogen or BUN) and Creatinine. Urea is a by-product
of protein breakdown; it is produced in the liver and excreted from the body in urine.
Increases in BUN may indicate dehydration, gastrointestinal bleeding, or kidney disease.
Decreases in BUN are associated with overhydration , liver failure, or kidney disease.
Creatinine is a by-product of muscle metabolism. Increased levels of creatinine indicate
decreased kidney function.
Pancreatic Enzymes - The most
commonly
measured
pancreatic
enzymes are Amylase and Lipase.
Increases in these enzymes are often
found when the pancreas is inflamed,
although they can also be elevated when
there is kidney or intestinal disease, and
when certain drugs are used.
Glucose - The sugar found in blood is
called Glucose. Persistently elevated
blood glucose is typically associated with
diabetes mellitus, also called "sugar
diabetes". In the cat, stress can cause a
temporary rise in blood sugar that can be difficult to differentiate from diabetes. Low
blood sugar is associated with some types of tumors and bacterial infections, or with
insulin overdose in diabetic patients. Low blood sugar can also be found in newborn
animals, some very small breeds of dogs, and high performance dogs that exercise
extensively, such as hunting dogs.
Calcium and Phosphorus - These minerals are present in tiny amounts in blood, and
changes, either up or down, may indicate underlying disease. Persistently high calcium
levels may indicate the presence of cancer, or disease of the parathyroid glands, while
low calcium levels may cause convulsions. High phosphorus levels are associated with
kidney failure, and some nutritional problems.
Muscle Enzymes - The enzyme most frequently measured to assess muscle health is
Creatine Kinase. Of lesser importance are the enzymes Aspartate aminotransferase
(AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which are also used to assess liver function.
Elevations in muscle enzymes are often found with muscular activity (exercise, exertion,
convulsions etc.), trauma, and muscle inflammation.
Cholesterol - Cholesterol is produced in the liver as part of fat metabolism. Increases in
cholesterol are associated with hormonal and metabolic diseases, liver disease, and
serious kidney disease.
Electrolytes - The most important electrolytes are: Potassium, Chloride, Sodium, and
Bicarbonate. These substances are present in blood in small quantities, and each
electrolyte has a different role to play in the body. Collectively, electrolytes help to
maintain blood and tissue fluids in a stable and balanced state. Disturbances in
electrolytes are often caused by vomiting and/or diarrhea, and are encountered with
many serious metabolic diseases.
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 This client information sheet is based on material written by Kristiina Ruotsalo, DVM, DVSc, Dip ACVP &
Margo S. Tant BSc, DVM, DVSc.
© Copyright 2004 Lifelearn Inc. Used with permission under license. February 15, 2016