Chronic kidney disease

Globulin is a group of proteins in the blood that includes immunoglobulins (antibodies), transport proteins, and complement proteins. It is calculated by subtracting albumin from total protein. The albumin-to-globulin ratio helps assess liver function, kidney health, immune system activity, and nutritional status.

The ratio of free triiodothyronine (fT3) to free thyroxine (fT4) reflects how efficiently your body converts the storage thyroid hormone (T4) into the active form (T3). A low ratio may indicate impaired conversion, which can occur with stress, illness, selenium deficiency, or certain medications — even when individual thyroid values appear normal.

Phosphate is crucial for bone mineralization, energy metabolism (ATP), cell membrane structure, and acid-base balance. Its levels are regulated in relation to calcium, primarily by the kidneys and parathyroid hormone.

A waste product from the breakdown of purines (found in certain foods and normal cell turnover). Elevated levels can lead to gout (painful joint inflammation) and kidney stones. Persistently high levels may indicate metabolic disorders or reduced kidney clearance.

A waste product from protein metabolism filtered by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate reduced kidney function, but are also influenced by protein intake, dehydration, and certain medications.

Sodium is the primary electrolyte in blood that regulates fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction. Imbalances can cause neurological symptoms, fluid retention, or dehydration.

Potassium is a crucial electrolyte for heart, nerve, and muscle function. It maintains proper cell electrical potential and helps regulate blood pressure. Imbalances can cause dangerous heart rhythm disturbances.

Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including energy production, protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation.

eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): Calculated using the CKD-EPI formula based on creatinine level, age, sex, and ethnic background. It estimates how much blood your kidneys filter per minute, with normal values typically above 90 ml/min/1.73m². Values below 60 ml/min/1.73m² indicate moderate kidney impairment, while values below 30 ml/min/1.73m² signifies severe impairment.

Creatinine is a waste product from muscle metabolism that's filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine. Serum levels remain relatively constant with normal kidney function, making it a reliable marker for kidney filtration capacity. Elevated levels suggest reduced kidney function.

Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Most calcium is stored in bones, with only a small portion circulating in blood under tight regulation.

Accounts for calcium bound to albumin, providing a more accurate measure of biologically active calcium. Essential for bone health, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen in the lungs and delivers it to tissues throughout the body. It also plays a role in transporting carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.

Hematocrit measures the percentage of blood volume occupied by cellular components, with the largest portion being red blood cells (erythrocytes). When blood is centrifuged, blood cells settle at the bottom, creating a visible layer that indicates their proportion relative to total blood volume.

Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are the most abundant blood cells and carry oxygen from lungs to tissues throughout the body via hemoglobin. They have a biconcave disc shape that maximizes surface area for gas exchange.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts like a hormone in the body. It's essential for calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, and muscle performance. The body can produce it through sunlight exposure, but it can also be obtained from food and supplements.

An enzyme produced primarily by the pancreas that helps digest fats. Significantly elevated lipase (often 3-5 times normal) strongly suggests pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis), while moderate elevations may indicate other pancreatic disorders or kidney disease.

The most abundant protein in blood plasma, produced by the liver. In kidney contexts, low levels in blood may indicate protein loss through damaged kidneys, while presence of albumin in urine (albuminuria) is an important marker of kidney damage.

Triglycerides are the main form of fat stored in the body and circulating in blood. They serve as an energy source and are derived from calories not immediately used. Elevated levels increase risk of cardiovascular disease.

Non-HDL cholesterol represents all potentially atherogenic lipoproteins, calculated by subtracting HDL from total cholesterol. It includes LDL, VLDL, and other cholesterol-carrying particles associated with cardiovascular risk.

Known as "bad cholesterol," it can accumulate in arterial walls, forming plaques that narrow blood vessels and increase risk of heart attack and stroke.

Often called "good cholesterol," it helps remove excess cholesterol from your arteries and transports it to the liver for processing, offering protection against atherosclerosis and heart disease.

The overall amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream. High levels can increase risk of heart disease.