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protein albumin, which keeps water inside blood vessels and is the most plentiful protein in the body. The albumin level is a good indicator of a person’s general nutritional status. Disorders such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and malnutrition can cause a decrease in the level of albumin. The level of albumin is also decreased during pregnancy. The albumin test can help diagnose liver disease, kidney disease, and intestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease that can reduce the absorption of nutrients. People who have cancer or chronic diseases such as autoimmune disorders or AIDS often have a low albumin level. The normal albumin range is 3.7 to 5.2 grams per deciliter (g/dL).

Alkaline phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme that is present in all tissues of the body. High concentrations of ALP are normally found in the liver, in bile ducts, in bones, and, in pregnant women, in the placenta. Extremely high levels of ALP can be a sign of several abnormal conditions, including bone disease, leukemia, and liver disease. The enzyme can also be elevated in normal conditions such as healthy bone growth or can result from an abnormal response to a medication. The normal ALP range is 40 to 157 international units per liter (IU/L).

Alanine aminotransferase

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found in many tissues, but is present in high levels in the liver. Doctors use the ALT test to detect liver damage, which can cause ALT to be released into the blood. Extremely high levels of ALT can be a sign of liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. The normal ALT range is 5 to 35 international units per liter (IU/L).

Aspartate aminotransferase

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found mostly in the heart muscle, skeletal muscle cells, and liver cells. Conditions such as liver disease, infectious mononucleosis, and muscle disease can increase the level of AST in the blood. Recent surgery, exercise, and pregnancy can also raise levels of AST. Doctors use the AST test mainly to diagnose or monitor liver disease and, occasionally, to monitor people who have had a heart attack. The normal AST range is 10 to 34 international units per liter (IU/L).

Blood urea nitrogen

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a by-product of the breakdown of proteins in the liver. An elevated BUN level can be a sign of kidney disease or, occasionally, severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Medications such as antibiotics and diuretics can also affect BUN levels. Doctors use the BUN test to evaluate kidney function and to diagnose conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding. The normal BUN range is 8 to 23 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Calcium

The serum calcium test measures the amount of calcium in blood serum. Increased levels of calcium can be a sign of cancer that has spread to the bones from another part of the body, multiple myeloma, hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), or hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands). Medications such as lithium, thiazide diuretics, and antacids can also increase the levels of calcium in the blood. Doctors use the serum calcium test to diagnose or monitor conditions such as bone disease, kidney disease, endocrine disorders, and cancer. A low calcium level can result from severe, acute pancreatitis. The normal total calcium range is 8.4 to 10.3 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a waste product of normal metabolism. The lungs eliminate carbon dioxide from the blood through breathing. Increased levels of carbon dioxide can indicate disorders that affect the lungs, such as emphysema or other obstructive lung diseases, or loss of stomach acid from vomiting. Drugs such as corticosteroids and excessive use of antacids can also increase the blood levels of carbon dioxide. Decreased levels of carbon dioxide can result from severe, uncontrolled diabetes, kidney failure, or severe diarrhea. The normal carbon dioxide range is 21.3 to 30.3 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L).

Creatinine

Creatinine is a muscle enzyme that is present in the blood at various