Blood Proteins and Electrolytes
Blood proteins are vital biomolecules that perform numerous functions in the body: they maintain the oncotic pressure of blood, transport substances, participate in immune responses, and regulate metabolism. The main plasma proteins are
albumins and
globulins.
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Albumins maintain normal blood volume and transport drugs, hormones, and vitamins.
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Globulins are involved in the immune response, including antibodies.
Changes in protein levels may indicate nutritional disorders, liver, kidney, or immune system diseases.
Electrolytes are soluble ions necessary for maintaining water-salt balance, normal muscle, heart, and nervous system function. The main electrolytes include sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), chlorides (Cl), and bicarbonates.
- Sodium (Na) regulates body fluid volume and blood pressure.
- Potassium (K) is essential for proper heart muscle function and nerve transmission.
- Calcium (Ca) participates in blood clotting, nerve impulse transmission, and bone formation.
- Chlorides (Cl) maintain acid-base balance and participate in digestion.
Why blood proteins and electrolytes test is done:
- Assessment of overall health and liver and kidney function
- Diagnosis of metabolic and water-salt balance disorders
- Monitoring heart, kidney, and liver diseases and electrolyte imbalances
How the test is performed:
- Blood is drawn from a vein, preferably fasting
- Avoid heavy food, alcohol, and intense physical activity before the test
Important to know:
- Protein level deviations may indicate inflammation, liver or kidney diseases, or nutritional disorders
- Electrolyte imbalances can cause muscle cramps, weakness, arrhythmias, so timely diagnosis is important
- Accurate interpretation requires a doctor’s consultation considering symptoms and other tests