Complete Metabolic Panel

HbA1c provides a long-term view of blood sugar control, unlike fasting glucose which reflects a single point in time. It is essential for diabetes diagnosis and management. Consult your healthcare provider.

ALT is one of the most commonly used markers to detect liver stress or damage early. The liver has a large regenerative capacity and often only produces symptoms when damage is already advanced. ALT can be elevated before you notice anything. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronically mildly elevated ALT in Western countries. An estimated 25% of adults have some degree of fatty liver, often without knowing it. ALT monitoring can reveal this early, allowing lifestyle adjustments to prevent further damage. With alcohol use, the ALT/AST ratio provides additional information. An AST/ALT ratio above 2 is consistent with alcohol-related liver damage, while in fatty liver disease, ALT is typically higher than AST. Medications such as paracetamol (at high doses), statins, and certain antibiotics can also elevate ALT.

Calcium balance is critical for bone health, heart function, and muscle contraction. Abnormal levels may be associated with bone disorders, parathyroid conditions, or kidney problems. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

ALP is a useful screening marker for liver and bone conditions. Elevated levels may indicate bile duct obstruction, liver disease, or bone disorders. Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.

AST levels provide important information about the health of your liver, heart, and muscles. Elevated levels may be associated with conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, heart attack, or muscle injury. When evaluated alongside ALT, the AST:ALT ratio can help your healthcare provider identify the underlying cause of liver enzyme elevation. An AST:ALT ratio greater than 2:1, for instance, may suggest alcohol-related liver damage.

Total bilirubin is a fundamental marker for assessing liver function and diagnosing the cause of jaundice. By comparing total bilirubin with direct bilirubin, healthcare providers can determine whether elevation is due to liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or haemolysis. Mild elevations may occur in common and generally harmless conditions such as Gilbert syndrome, which affects approximately 5-10% of the population. However, significant elevations warrant further investigation to rule out serious underlying conditions.

BUN is a valuable marker for assessing how effectively your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. Elevated levels may indicate that the kidneys are not functioning optimally, which can be associated with dehydration, kidney disease, or other underlying conditions. Monitoring BUN alongside other kidney markers such as creatinine and eGFR provides a more comprehensive picture of renal health and helps detect potential problems early.

Chronic kidney damage often progresses silently and rarely causes symptoms in early stages. Your kidneys can lose up to 50% of their function before you notice anything. Creatinine and eGFR are the standard markers for early detection. In diabetes and high blood pressure — the two leading causes of chronic kidney damage — periodic creatinine monitoring is part of clinical guidelines. Kidney function monitoring is also recommended during long-term use of NSAIDs (painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac), ACE inhibitors, or certain antibiotics. An elevated creatinine does not always indicate kidney damage. In people with high muscle mass (strength athletes) or high protein intake, the value can naturally be higher. Conversely, low creatinine in the elderly or in people with little muscle mass can mask reduced kidney function — eGFR is more reliable in those cases.

Chronic kidney damage is largely irreversible, but progression can be slowed or stopped if detected early. eGFR is the cornerstone of that early detection. Diabetes and high blood pressure together account for more than 60% of all cases of chronic kidney damage — periodic eGFR monitoring in these patient groups is therefore essential. At an eGFR below 60 ml/min, medication adjustments are often needed because many drugs are excreted by the kidneys. The dosage of contrast agents for CT scans must also be adjusted.

Type 2 diabetes affects more than one million people in the Netherlands, and an estimated 1.1 million more have prediabetes without knowing it. Untreated, diabetes significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, eye problems, and nerve damage. Prediabetes is a reversible stage. With lifestyle adjustments — weight loss, more exercise, less sugar and processed carbohydrates — more than half of people with prediabetes can prevent developing diabetes. This makes early detection through a fasting glucose test or HbA1c very valuable.

Proper bicarbonate levels are essential for maintaining blood pH. Imbalances may indicate respiratory or metabolic conditions and can affect organ function. Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation of your results.

Chloride imbalances can indicate dehydration, kidney disease, or acid-base disturbances. Maintaining proper chloride levels is important for overall metabolic health. Consult your healthcare provider for result interpretation.

Sodium balance is essential for proper nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and blood pressure regulation. Significant imbalances can affect brain function and require medical attention. Consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Potassium is directly linked to the electrical conductivity of the heart. Both too high and too low potassium can cause heart rhythm disorders that in severe cases can be life-threatening. This makes potassium one of the most critical blood values. With certain medications, potassium monitoring is essential. ACE inhibitors and ARBs (commonly used blood pressure medications) can raise potassium. Diuretics such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide lower potassium. With combined use, periodic monitoring is necessary.

Albumin is important for maintaining blood volume, transporting substances, and reflecting overall health status. Low levels may indicate liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition. Consult your healthcare provider.

Total protein levels provide a general overview of your nutritional status, liver function, kidney function, and immune system activity. Abnormal levels may prompt your healthcare provider to investigate specific protein fractions further.