The ESR blood test, or sed rate, is a nonspecific inflammation marker. Learn what it measures, why it is ordered, how to prepare, what high or low results may mean, and how to think about cost.
A creatine kinase blood test measures CK enzymes released from muscle, heart, and other tissues. Learn why CK is ordered, how to prepare, what high results may mean, and when to seek urgent care.
A total protein blood test measures albumin and globulin in your blood and may help evaluate liver, kidney, nutrition, inflammation, and immune-related concerns. Learn what high and low results can mean, how to prepare, and what to ask next.
An anion gap blood test is a calculated result from an electrolyte panel that helps clinicians evaluate acid-base balance, especially metabolic acidosis. Learn what high, low, and normal results can mean, how to prepare, what affects accuracy, and what questions to ask next.
A chloride blood test checks an important electrolyte involved in fluid and acid-base balance. Learn why it is ordered, how to prepare, what results may mean, and what to ask next.
A sodium blood test checks electrolyte and fluid balance. Learn what it measures, how to prepare, what low or high sodium may mean, and when to seek care.
A uric acid blood test measures serum urate and is often used when evaluating gout, kidney stones, kidney concerns, or medication effects. Learn how to prepare and interpret results.
A BUN blood test measures urea nitrogen, a waste product from protein breakdown. Learn what BUN can and cannot tell you about kidney function, how to prepare, and what high or low results may mean.
A bilirubin blood test helps evaluate jaundice, liver and bile duct problems, red blood cell breakdown, and newborn jaundice. Learn how total, direct, and indirect bilirubin results are interpreted.
An alkaline phosphatase blood test measures ALP enzyme activity, most often to help evaluate liver, bile duct, or bone conditions. Learn what high and low results can mean, how to prepare, and what follow-up tests may be used.
