The SMAC 20 blood test is a regularly ordered group of tests that helps to determine what the overall status of health of a patient happens to be. Most patients will be required to fast for a minimum of 12 hours before having the blood draw for this test. Results are typically available in 24-48 hours. Here is what this blood test covers.
Albumin
This presence of this protein provides doctors with a glimpse at the general state of nutrition a patient has. It can also provide evidence of dehydration and certain health conditions when combined with the other test results recorded.
Alkaline Phosphate
These proteins are important for bone and liver functions. Abnormalities in this test can be used as a screening tool for future tests that can provide a specific diagnosis.
ALT
This enzyme is produced by the liver. When it is present in abnormal levels, then this is a good indicator that liver disease may be developing.
AST
This enzyme is found in the blood when muscle tissues begin to break down or when liver disease is present.
Bilirubin
These are created by the liver and are measured in the SMAC 20 blood test to check on organ health. Jaundice tends to occur when present in higher than normal levels.
BUN/Creatinine Ratio
This ratio is determined by taking the creatinine levels in the blood and dividing them against the BUN levels.
Calcium
Abnormal calcium levels can be an indication of several different diseases, syndromes, and disorders. Deficiencies can also be seen with poor nutritional choices.
Chloride
This substance helps to maintain the electrolyte balance within the body much like sodium does.
Cholesterol
Testing cholesterol levels helps a medical provider determine a patient’s future risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future. It can also be used to determine the risks of a first or repetitive negative cardiac event.
Creatinine
This part of the blood test helps medical providers see how well an individual’s kidneys are functioning.
GGT
The results from this test can show if there has been an injury to a person’s bile ducts or to the liver. It will often have abnormal results if an individual has a history of alcohol abuse.
Globulin
These proteins help to create the antibodies that fight off infections. If there is no known infection present, the test results here can also show that there may be an autoimmune disorder that needs to be addressed.
Glucose
This part of the SMAC 20 blood test measures blood sugar levels. This helps a medical provider discover diabetes or be able to see how well a patient is managing their symptoms.
Iron
Abnormal levels of iron can be an indication that red blood cells are not being created, destroyed, or functioning as they should. Low levels of iron may also be an indication that some form of anemia may be present.
Lactic Acid
This test can help a medical provider diagnose anemia, lymphoma, liver disease, or lung disease.
Lipid
This test measures risk factors for coronary heart disease.
Phosphorus
Depending on the test result, phosphorus levels can help a medical provider see if there may be diabetic ketoacidosis, liver disease, kidney disease, or simply dehydration present. Women in their last trimester of a pregnancy will often have phosphorus levels tested independently of the SMAC 20 blood test.
Potassium
Helps to control the muscles and nerves. Muscle cramping and twitching can occur when potassium levels are out of balance.
Sodium
People consume sodium every day in the foods and beverages they enjoy. It is also an important electrolyte that managed the water balance within the body. Abnormal sodium levels can interfere with how the nerves and muscles in the body operate.
Total Protein
This part of the SMAC 20 blood test measures the complete state of total nutrition.
Triglycerides
This is the fatty substances that are in the blood. They provide energy to the cells of the body, but can also lead to deposit build-up when in higher than normal amounts. Even when a person is fasting, there should be some triglycerides that can be detected.
Uric Acid
When uric acid levels are too high, then crystals can begin to form within the blood. These crystals tend to get lodged into joints and will cause painful inflammation. Gout may be caused by high uric acid levels. This test measures how well the body breaks this acid down.
The SMAC 20 blood test helps a medical provider receive a complete overview of patient health. It may be part of an annual checkup or ordered for someone who has not been to the doctor in awhile. Each test result may or may not have medical significance, so only your doctor can determine what your results mean for your personal health.