The Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test measures the level of the ALP enzyme in your blood. ALP is primarily found in the liver and bones, so this test is vital for diagnosing liver or bone diseases. Elevated ALP levels may indicate liver conditions such as hepatitis or bile duct blockages, or bone issues like osteomalacia or Paget’s disease. Low levels are less common but can also signal certain health issues, such as malnutrition. The ALP test is often part of routine liver function tests and is critical in monitoring overall bone and liver health.
The Full Blood Count (FBC) is a comprehensive blood test that measures several key components of your blood. It provides essential information about your red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, and platelets. By evaluating these elements, FBC helps diagnose various conditions such as anemia, infections, and blood clotting disorders. The test is often used as a routine health check, or when patients present symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or frequent infections, helping doctors monitor overall health and detect potential issues early.
Creatinine clearance is a crucial test used to assess how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. It measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, cleared from the body through the kidneys over a specific period. A healthy kidney efficiently removes creatinine, and abnormal levels may indicate kidney dysfunction. This test helps in diagnosing conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and monitoring kidney function in patients with known kidney issues. Normal creatinine clearance levels range between 90-140 mL/min for healthy adults, varying slightly by age and sex.
The AST (aspartate aminotransferase) blood test is used to assess the health of your liver and muscles. AST is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, muscles, and other tissues. When these tissues are damaged, AST is released into the bloodstream. Elevated AST levels can indicate liver damage, such as from hepatitis or alcohol-related disease, or muscle injury from conditions like muscular dystrophy. Normal AST levels range from 10 to 40 units per liter (U/L). This test is a vital component in diagnosing and monitoring conditions affecting both liver and muscle health.