The tests help the medical team understand the patient’s general health status.
A chem 7 is also routinely performedafter surgery.
This helps ensure the person is well in the days following the operation.
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Acomprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)is similar but includes seven additional tests, for a total of 14.
Blood will be drawn from a veinor an intravenous (IV) line.
The lab can usually return results very quickly.
The lab report will provide reference ranges for each of the seven substances.
A result is normal if it falls between the high and low values in the range.
Anything below or above the reference range is considered abnormal.
If this is your result, you may need medical intervention before surgery.
It’s possible you may also be unable to undergo surgery at all.
Your results may look different depending on where you are located in the world.
In the United States, blood test results are typically described in standard metric values.
For example:
Internationally, they are often described in metric concentration values.
It is a measure of kidney function.
A high level may indicate that the kidneys are not functioning normally.
People with early kidney disease may not have any symptoms.
A BUN test can help uncover kidney problems at an early stage when treatment can be more effective.
Most carbon dioxide is present in the form of bicarbonate.
Bicarbonate is regulated by the lungs and kidneys.
The normal CO2 values for adults are between:
Creatinine
Creatinineis a waste product.
Some medications can also cause a higher-than-normal level of blood creatinine.
Blood sugar is also called glucose.
High glucose levels may indicatediabetesor anotherendocrine disorder.
Your endocrine system helps regulate many of your body functions.
Blood glucose levels should be measured while fasting for at least eight hours.
It is used to screen for diabetes and should be below 100 mg/dL.
However, levels can rise after eating and be as high as 140 mg/dL in people without diabetes.
Chloride binds withelectrolytessuch as potassium and sodium.
It helps maintain the properpH balanceof the blood.
Chloride levels can vary widely if you aredehydratedor overhydrated.
Potassium plays a role in muscle contractions, nerve activity, and cell function.
Your cells, nerves, heart, and muscles need potassium to work properly.
Both high and low levels of potassium can cause problems withheart rhythm.
This is why it is important to monitor potassium levels before and after surgery.
Like other electrolytes, sodium helps your nerves and muscles work properly.
Normally, excess sodium in the things you eat and drink is excreted by the kidneys.
It is often ordered before surgery and during routine physical exams.
The results are an indication of your general health status.
The blood is sent to a lab and the lab report shows your levels of each substance.
Levels that are too high or too low can indicate a health problem.
Abnormal results may be a reason to cancel or postpone surgery.
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