Correlation of changes in blood chemistry with pathological changes in the animal's body: I. Serum nutrients and...

The usefulness of laboratory tests is discussed, with emphasis placed on the correlation of the results with the clinical findings. The advantages and disadvantages of clinical chemistry and the precautions necessary when collecting the blood sample are delineated. Brief consideration is given to selecting the laboratory, the normal range, and the knowledge essential for interpretation of the results. The concentrations of the blood constituents are considered relative to the rate of release from cells, the method of transport in the blood, and the rate of removal from the blood. The physiological and pathological alterations in these factors dictate blood chemistry results. The physiologic influences on the concentrations of blood glucose, serum cholesterol, and plasma free fatty acids are considered. The causes of physiologic and pathologic increases and decreases in these blood constituents are discussed. Serum triglyceride concentrations are usually performed for an objective assessment of intestinal fat absorption. The principal causes of inadequate absorption are mentioned. The changes in the concentrations of total serum protein, albumin, the various globulin fractions, fibrinogen and prothrombin are non-specific but are frequently valuable diagnostic aids. The physiological and pathological influences on these parameters are described.