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Biochemistry tests are essential tools in the diagnosis and management of various diseases. The outlined Biochemistry tests list shows tests that measures the levels of different chemicals and substances in the body, providing valuable information about a patient’s health. This article will provide a comprehensive list of biochemistry tests list from A to Z, covering everything from routine blood tests to specialized assays. Whether you’re a healthcare professional or simply curious about the different biochemistry tests available, this article is for you. So let’s dive in and explore the world of biochemistry testing!
A
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): The Alanine aminotransferase biochemistry tests (ALT) is a blood test that helps to determine if there is any damage to the liver. This test measures the level of ALT enzyme in the blood. ALT is mainly found in the liver, with smaller amounts in other organs such as the kidneys. If there is damage to the liver, more ALT will be released into the blood, causing an increase in ALT levels. This test can help doctors assess liver function and identify underlying liver problems.
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): The Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test is a blood test that helps to determine if there is any damage to the liver. This test measures the level of AST enzyme in the blood. AST is found in many tissues throughout the body, including the liver, heart, and muscles. If there is damage to these cells, more AST will be released into the blood, causing an increase in AST levels. High levels of AST can indicate an underlying medical condition, often related to the liver.
B
Bile Esculin Agar: The Bile Esculin Agar (BEA) test is a selective differential test that uses bile esculin agar to isolate and identify Enterococcus. The agar contains bile salts that selectively inhibit the growth of other Gram-positive organisms, while esculin is used as a differential component. When Enterococcus hydrolyzes esculin, it produces products that react with ferric citrate to form insoluble iron salts, causing the medium to turn black. This test is primarily used to distinguish between Enterococcus and Streptococcus.
Bilirubin total: The Total Bilirubin biochemistry tests measures the amount of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells are broken down. It is processed by the liver and excreted from the body. This test can help assess liver function. High bilirubin levels may indicate a problem with the liver’s ability to process bilirubin or a blockage in the bile ducts.
Blood Sugar: A Blood Sugar test is used to measure the glucose level in the blood. Glucose is a type of sugar that the body uses for energy and is produced when carbohydrates from food are broken down. This test can be used to diagnose diabetes or to help people with diabetes manage their condition.
C
Calcium: A Calcium blood test is used to determine the calcium level in the blood. Calcium is essential in maintaining healthy bones and teeth and supporting the proper functioning of the nerves, heart, and muscles. There are two types of calcium blood tests: Total calcium, which measures the calcium bound to proteins in the blood and the unattached or “free” calcium, and Ionized calcium, which measures only the unattached or “free” calcium in the blood.
CAMP Test: The CAMP biochemistry tests method identifies Group B beta-hemolytic streptococci, specifically Streptococcus agalactiae. The test detects the enhanced hemolytic activity of beta-hemolysin produced by Staphylococcus aureus when it interacts with an extracellular protein called CAMP factor, produced by group B streptococci. This interaction results in synergistic hemolysis on a blood agar plate.
Catalase Test: The Catalase test detects the presence of the enzyme catalase in bacteria. This enzyme helps to break down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into oxygen and water. The test differentiates between bacteria that produce catalase, such as staphylococci, and those that do not, such as streptococci. The test involves introducing a small sample of the bacteria into a solution of hydrogen peroxide and observing for the production of oxygen bubbles.Â
Cholesterol: Cholesterol biochemistry tests, also known as a lipid panel, is a blood test that measures the levels of different types of fats in your blood, including cholesterol. Cholesterol is a substance that is essential for the production of hormones and the formation of cell membranes. However, having too much cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. The test measures four fats in your blood: Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and Triglycerides.
Coagulase Test: The Coagulase biochemistry tests differentiate between Staphylococcus aureus, which produces the enzyme coagulase, and other staphylococci that do not produce this enzyme. Coagulase is an enzyme that causes blood plasma to clot and is a virulence factor for S. aureus. It converts fibrinogen in plasma into fibrin, forming a protective barrier around the bacterial cells. There are two forms of coagulase: bound and free. The slide coagulase test detects bound coagulase or clumping factor, while the tube coagulase test detects free coagulase.
Copper: A Copper blood test is used to determine the level of copper in the blood. Copper is an essential trace element that plays a vital role in organ health, metabolism, red blood cell production, and iron absorption. This test is primarily used to diagnose Wilson’s disease. This rare genetic disorder can result in either an excess or deficiency of copper in organs such as the liver and brain. Along with the copper blood test, a ceruloplasmin test may also be ordered to measure the enzyme that contains most of the copper bound in the body. In some cases, additional tests such as a urine copper test or liver biopsy may be performed to assess copper levels further.
Creatine kinase: A Creatinine Kinase test is used to determine the level of creatine kinase (CK) in the blood. CK is an enzyme primarily found in the skeletal muscles and heart, with smaller amounts in the brain. When these tissues sustain damage, they release creatine kinase into the bloodstream. Elevated levels of CK may be indicative of muscle injury or disease. There are three types of CK enzymes: CK-MM, which is mainly found in skeletal muscles; CK-MB, which is mostly found in the heart muscle; and CK-BB, which is primarily found in brain tissue. While a small amount of CK in the blood is average, higher levels may indicate a health problem.
Creatinine: A Creatinine test determines the creatinine level in the blood. Creatinine is a waste product produced when creatine, which is present in muscle tissue, breaks down. This test provides information about how well the kidneys are functioning. In healthy individuals, the kidneys filter creatinine from the blood, which is excreted in urine. Elevated creatinine levels may indicate that the kidneys are damaged and not functioning properly.
G
Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT): A Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test is used to determine the level of GGT in the blood. GGT is an enzyme that is primarily found in the liver. When the liver sustains damage, GGT may be released into the bloodstream. Elevated levels of GGT in the blood may indicate liver disease or damage to the bile ducts. A GGT test alone cannot diagnose the specific cause of liver disease, so it is typically performed with other liver function tests.
Glucose test: A Glucose test is used to determine the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. When consumed, the body converts carbohydrates into glucose for energy. Abnormal levels of glucose in the blood may indicate a severe medical condition. Doctors often order a blood glucose test to diagnose diabetes. Individuals who have already been diagnosed with diabetes may use a blood glucose test to manage their condition.
H
HDL cholesterol: An HDL cholesterol test is used to determine the level of good cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a waxy substance in all body cells and plays a role in building the body’s cells. HDL is considered good cholesterol because it transports LDL, triglycerides, and harmful fats back to the liver for processing. Once HDL reaches the liver, it breaks down LDL, converts it into bile, and removes it from the body.
K
Kliger’s Iron Agar (KIA): The Kliger’s Iron Agar (KIA) test is used to detect the fermentation of carbohydrates. The reactions observed in KIA can help to determine whether a particular bacterial isolate belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae. If an organism cannot ferment glucose, an alkaline slant-alkaline-butt reaction will be observed in KIA. This reaction alone is sufficient to exclude the isolate from the Enterobacteriaceae family.
L
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): A Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test is used to determine the level of LDH in the blood or other body fluids to check for tissue damage. LDH is an enzyme in almost all body cells, including those in the blood, muscles, brain, kidneys, and pancreas. Elevated levels of LDH may indicate the presence of chronic or acute disease or
Lipase: A Lipase test is used to determine the lipase level in the blood. Lipase is an enzyme that aids in the digestion of fats and is released by the pancreas, which is located behind the lower part of the stomach. Abnormal levels of lipase may indicate a problem with the pancreas. A doctor can use a lipase test to measure levels and diagnose underlying issues.
M
Magnesium: A Magnesium test determines the magnesium level in the blood. Magnesium is an electrolyte vital in many critical bodily functions and processes. It is necessary for proper muscle, nerve, and heart function and helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Most of the body’s magnesium is stored in the bones and cells, with a small amount in the blood. Abnormal levels of magnesium in the blood may indicate a severe health problem.
Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA): Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) is a medium used to isolate and identify Staphylococcus aureus from clinical samples. It contains mannitol, salt, and agar. The high salt concentration allows only bacteria that can tolerate it to grow. Staphylococcus aureus can ferment mannitol, which changes the pH of the medium and causes it to turn yellow. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) cannot ferment mannitol, so the medium remains pink around their colonies.
O
Oxidase Test: The oxidase test is a method used to determine if a bacterial organism has the cytochrome c oxidase enzyme. This enzyme is part of the electron transport chain and helps to differentiate between certain bacterial species such as Neisseria, Moraxella, Campylobacter, and Pasteurella. The test uses a redox indicator that changes color when oxidized by the enzyme. Oxidase-positive bacteria have cytochrome oxidase or indophenol oxidase that can transfer electrons from donor compounds to oxygen. The test reagent acts as an artificial electron donor and turns blue when oxidized.
P
Potassium: A potassium test is a blood test that measures the level of potassium in your blood. Potassium is an important electrolyte that helps regulate muscle and nerve function. Abnormal levels of potassium can cause health problems. The test is often part of a routine electrolyte panel and can be used to monitor or diagnose conditions such as kidney disease, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The simple test involves taking a blood sample from a vein in your arm.
Protein (total): A total protein test measures the levels of albumin and globulin proteins in your blood. Albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels, while globulin plays a role in the immune system. The test is often part of a regular checkup and can also be used to diagnose kidney or liver disease. The test involves taking a blood sample from a vein in your arm and analyzing it in a laboratory.
S
Sodium: A sodium blood test measures the sodium level in your blood. Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance and pH levels in your body and is essential for nerve and muscle function. The test is often part of an electrolyte panel or basic metabolic panel. The test involves taking a blood sample from a vein in your arm and analyzing it in a laboratory.
Starch hydrolysis test: The starch hydrolysis test determines if an organism can break down starch into maltose using the α-amylase enzyme. The test involves growing bacteria on agar plates containing starch. If the bacteria can hydrolyze starch, it will do so in the areas surrounding their growth. After incubation, an iodine solution is added to the plate to indicate if the starch has been hydrolyzed. Non-hydrolyzed starch turns dark blue with iodine, while hydrolyzed starch does not. Clear zones around colonies that hydrolyze starch indicate a positive result.
Sulfur Indole Motility Media (SIM): The Sulfur Indole Motility (SIM) media test determines if an organism can reduce sulfur, produce indole, and move through agar. The test is commonly used to differentiate members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Bacteria that can reduce sulfur produce hydrogen sulfide gas that reacts with iron salts in the medium to form a black precipitate. Bacteria that can produce indole break down tryptophan in the SIM agar using the tryptophanase enzyme. Indole production is detected by adding a reagent that reacts with indole to produce a red compound. Motile bacteria can swim through the agar and make the entire tube appear turbid.
T
Taxos A (bacitracin sensitivity testing): The Taxos A test, also known as bacitracin sensitivity testing, determines if an organism is sensitive to the antibiotic bacitracin. Bacitracin is a peptide antibiotic that inhibits cell wall synthesis and disrupts the cell membrane. The test is commonly used to differentiate beta-hemolytic streptococci such as Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus pyogenes. The test involves streaking a pure culture of the organism onto a blood agar plate and placing a bacitracin disk on the plate. After incubation, the plate is examined for inhibition zones around the disk. If the organism grows up to the edge of the disk, it resists bacitracin. If there is a zone around the disk where the organism has not grown, it is susceptible to bacitracin.
Taxos P (optochin sensitivity testing): The Taxos P test is another name for the optochin sensitivity test. This test is used to differentiate between organisms that are sensitive to the antibiotic optochin and those that are not. It is often used to identify Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is sensitive to optochin, from other alpha-hemolytic streptococci that are resistant to it. Optochin is a quinine derivative that can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae at low concentrations. The test uses filter paper disks containing optochin in a disk diffusion format to determine if suspected pneumococci are susceptible to it and confirm their identity.
Triglyceride: A triglyceride test is a blood test that measures the levels of triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood. Elevated levels of triglycerides can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. This test can help you determine if you need to take steps to lower your risk. A blood test can determine if your triglyceride levels are within a healthy range. Normal levels are considered to be less than 150 mg/dL or less than 1.7 mmol/L. Levels between 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.8 to 2.2 mmol/L) are considered borderline high, levels between 200 to 499 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol/L) are considered high, and levels above 500 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L) are considered very high.
U
Unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC): The Taxos P test, also known as optochin sensitivity testing, determines if an organism is sensitive to the antibiotic optochin. The test is used to differentiate between Streptococcus pneumoniae and other alpha-hemolytic streptococci. The test involves streaking a pure culture of the organism onto a blood agar plate and placing an optochin disk on the plate. After incubation, the plate is examined for inhibition zones around the disk. If the organism grows up to the edge of the disk, it resists optochin. If there is a zone around the disk where the organism has not grown, it is susceptible to optochin.
Urease test: The urease test determines if an organism can split urea using the enzyme urease. Urea is a product of amino acid decarboxylation, and hydrolysis produces ammonia and CO2. The formation of ammonia alkalinizes the medium and causes a pH shift detected by a color change in phenol red. Rapid urease-positive organisms turn the medium pink within 24 hours, while weakly positive organisms may take longer. Negative organisms produce no color change or turn yellow due to acid production. The test can identify several genera and species of Enterobacteriaceae and other bacteria that produce the urease enzyme.
Biochemistry tests list – conclusion
Biochemistry tests play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. From A to Z, these tests provide valuable information about the chemical processes and substances within the body. By understanding and utilizing this comprehensive list of biochemistry tests, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for their patients. As technology and research continue to advance, the list of available biochemistry tests will undoubtedly continue to grow, providing even more insight into the inner workings of the human body.
