Sodium is an electrolyte of vital importance in the human organism. It is acquired by food and it is secreted by sweat and by the kidneys. Its function is critical in acid-balance mechanism and contributes in neuromuscular functioning.
Magnesium is a cation found in the intracellular fluid. Its role is important in neuromuscular function, in energy production, in blood clotting and in enzyme activation. It is mainly found in the bones combined with calcium and phosphorus. Only 1% of its total quantity is circulating in blood.
Lipase is an enzyme secreted in the pancreas. It plays an important role in the break-down, transport and processing of food lipids. Lipase is usually measured along with amylase for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. To a lesser extent, it is used for the diagnosis and follow up of other diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease and celiac sprue.
Also known as leukocytes, they are produced in the bone marrow and they take the lead in the organism’s defense mechanism against infection.
Creatinine is the final product of creatine’s metabolism, found in skeletal muscles. Following its production, it enters the blood circulation and is finally excreted from the body through the kidneys.
Normally, urine is a sterile biological fluid. If bacteria are present, urine culture for the isolation, identification and quantification of pathogens is performed.
Potassium is the main cation of the intracellular fluid. It has an indispensable role in the maintenance of acid-base equilibrium, in the regulation of cellular osmotic pressure and in the conduction of electrical signals in muscle cells.
T4 is a hormone produced in the thyroid gland. After its release from the thyroid gland, its biggest part bounds to proteins. The rest of it is called free T4. Free T4 plays a crucial role in the basic metabolic rhythm and protein synthesis.
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a glycoprotein synthetized in the anterior pituitary gland. The TSH test is used to evaluate the thyroid gland’s function.
Red blood cells or erythrocytes carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the organs in the human body.