Understand Your Blood Work

[DonnaBoll]

this is from a Canadian PBC Society PBC FACT SHEET (09/02/16)

(may vary by lab)

ALP Alkaline Phosphatase

This enzyme occurs mainly in liver cells next to bile ducts, and in bone.

The blood level is raised in PBC and is the main enzyme that is checked

to see if you have a response to treatment.

45-129

TB/bili Total Bilirubin This chemical gives bile its yellow/green colour. A high level of bilirubin in

your blood will make you appear 'yellow' (jaundiced). Bilirubin is made

from hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a chemical in red blood cells that is

released when your red blood cells break down. Liver cells take in

bilirubin and attach sugar molecules to it - called 'conjugated' bilirubin

which is passed into your bile ducts: Usually only high when PBC is very

advanced

<22

ALT This enzyme helps to process proteins. An enzyme is a protein that

helps to speed up chemical reactions in cells. ALT occur in liver cells.

When your liver is injured or inflamed, the blood level of ALT usually

rises.

<55

AST Aspartate Aminotransferase

This enzyme is usually found inside liver cells. When a blood test detects

high levels of this enzyme in your blood it usually means your liver is

injured in some way. However, AST can also be released if heart or

skeletal muscles are damaged. For this reason, ALT is usually

considered to be more specifically related to liver problems

10-44

Alb Albumin This is the main protein made by the liver and it circulates in the

bloodstream. The ability to make albumin (and other proteins) is affected

in some types of liver disorders. A low level of blood albumin occurs in

some liver disorders. It can also occur in people who are malnourished

35-55

Na - Sodium A type of salt in the blood that may drop in cirrhosis or other diseases 135-147

K - Potassium A type of salt in the blood that may go up with certain medications, like

some types of water pills (diuretics). 3.5-5.5

Cr - Creatinine A measure of how well your kidney is functioning. A higher number

means your kidneys may not be working as well. The exact number is

different for everyone as it changes based on how much muscle you

have. 45-97

INR This test measures one of the functions of the liver. It is a measure of

how well your blood clots. May go up in cirrhosis or other diseases. <1.1

Hb - Hemoglobin The cells that carry oxygen in your blood. Usually normal in PBC but may

drop in cirrhosis or other diseases. 120-160

WBC White Bood Cell The cells that help your body fight infection. Usually normal in PBC but

may drop in cirrhosis or other diseases 4-11

Plt - Platelets Small cells which help the blood clot. Bleeding problems do not usually

occur unless the platelets drop below 10, which does not usually happen

in PBC. 150-400

GGT - GammaGlutamyltransferase Can be high due to many causes and so is not considered a marker of activity of PBC on its own. 0-45

[gwillistexas]

Thank you for this.

[butterflyEi]

thank you Donna, a very useful post.

[Rosebud1027]

thanks great reference - will save for future.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Rosebud1027]

This is from a site on the Canadian PBC Society. Their website has a lot to offer any of us.

[thelmareynolds556]

Thanks Donna I have saved this for reference going forward

[DonnaBoll Administrator]

I was so happy to find this. Some of the organizations like Canadian PBC Society and The PBC Foundation have so much great information if you take the time to just browse.