Chemichemi Health Services
Proteinuria

🧪 Protein Test in Urine (Proteinuria)

🌟 Overview

A urine protein test measures the concentration of protein in urine. Normally, kidneys filter waste products while retaining proteins such as albumin in the blood. When proteins leak into urine — a condition called proteinuria — it may signal kidney damage or other health problems.

📏 Units of Measurement (SI Units)

  • Protein concentration in urine is usually reported in grams per liter (g/L) or milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
  • For 24‑hour urine collections, results are expressed as grams per 24 hours (g/24 h).
  • Normal values:
    • Spot urine sample: < 0.15 g/L (150 mg/L)
    • 24‑hour urine collection: < 0.15 g/24 h
    • Albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR): < 3 mg/mmol

🩺 Why Is the Test Important?

  • Early detection: Proteinuria can be the first sign of kidney disease.
  • Monitoring: Helps track progression in patients with diabetes, hypertension, or chronic kidney disease.
  • Diagnosis: Identifies causes such as infections, autoimmune disorders, or cardiovascular disease.

🧍 Who Should Be Tested?

  • Patients with diabetes mellitus (risk of diabetic nephropathy).
  • Individuals with high blood pressure.
  • Those with a family history of kidney disease.
  • People experiencing swelling (edema), foamy urine, or unexplained fatigue.

🧪 How Is the Test Done?

  • Random urine sample: A quick test, often used for screening.
  • 24‑hour urine collection: Measures total protein excretion over a day.
  • Albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR): A more precise test that adjusts for urine concentration.

⚠️ Interpretation of Results

ResultSI Unit ValuePossible Meaning
Normal< 0.15 g/L or < 0.15 g/24 hHealthy kidney function
Mild proteinuria0.15–0.5 g/24 hEarly kidney stress, hypertension, diabetes
Moderate proteinuria0.5–3.0 g/24 hChronic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis
Severe proteinuria> 3.0 g/24 hNephrotic syndrome, advanced kidney damage

🧾 What Happens Next?

  • Repeat testing may be needed to confirm persistent proteinuria.
  • Additional investigations: Blood tests (serum creatinine, eGFR), imaging, or kidney biopsy.
  • Lifestyle and treatment: Managing blood pressure, blood sugar, and diet can reduce proteinuria.

✅ Key Takeaways

  • Protein in urine is measured in grams per liter (g/L) or grams per 24 hours (g/24 h).
  • Small amounts are normal, but persistent or high levels require medical attention.
  • The test is simple, safe, and essential for monitoring kidney health.

Blood urea

The urea test (often called the Blood Urea Nitrogen or BUN test) measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood to check how well your kidneys and liver are working.

🧪 What is a Urea Test?

  • Urea is a waste product formed in the liver when the body breaks down protein.
  • The kidneys filter urea from the blood and excrete it in urine.
  • A urea test (or BUN test) measures the concentration of urea nitrogen in the blood to assess kidney and liver function.

🎯 Why is it Done?

Doctors may order a urea test to:

  • Evaluate kidney health and detect kidney disease.
  • Monitor liver function since urea is produced in the liver.
  • Check protein metabolism in the body.
  • Investigate symptoms like fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination.
  • Monitor chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.

🩸 How is the Test Performed?

  • A small blood sample (about 2 ml) is taken from a vein in your arm.
  • No special preparation is usually required.
  • Results are typically available within a few hours to a day.

📊 Normal Range

  • Adults: 7–20 mg/dL (may vary slightly by lab).
  • Children: Lower ranges are common.
  • Older adults: Levels may be slightly higher.
    (Always check with your doctor for lab-specific ranges.)

⚠️ What Do Results Mean?

  • High urea levels: May indicate kidney disease, dehydration, high protein intake, or heart failure.
  • Low urea levels: Could suggest liver disease, malnutrition, or overhydration.
  • BUN-to-creatinine ratio: Often measured together to give a clearer picture of kidney function.

✅ Key Takeaway

The urea test is a simple blood test that provides important information about kidney and liver health. Abnormal results don’t always mean disease but should be interpreted by a healthcare professional in the context of your overall health.

Liver Function Tests

Liver Function Tests (LFTs) are a group of blood tests that measure enzymes, proteins, and substances produced or processed by the liver. They help doctors assess liver health, detect damage, and monitor ongoing conditions.

🧪 Liver Function Test (LFT)

🌿 What is the Liver and Why Test It?

  • The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, detoxifies harmful substances, produces bile for digestion, and makes proteins important for blood clotting.
  • LFTs check how well the liver is working and help detect conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or drug-induced injury.

🎯 Why Are LFTs Done?

Doctors may order LFTs to:

  • Investigate symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), fatigue, abdominal pain, or swelling.
  • Monitor chronic liver diseases (e.g., hepatitis B/C, cirrhosis).
  • Check for side effects of medications that can affect the liver.
  • Assess alcohol-related damage.
  • Evaluate overall health during routine check-ups.

🩸 What Tests Are Included?

A typical LFT panel includes:

Test What It Measures Normal Range (SI Units)
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) Enzyme released when liver cells are damaged 7–56 U/L
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) Enzyme found in liver, heart, muscles 5–40 U/L
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) Enzyme linked to bile ducts and bone 30–120 U/L
Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) Enzyme linked to bile duct and alcohol use 10–60 U/L
Total Bilirubin Breakdown product of red blood cells 3–21 µmol/L
Direct Bilirubin Conjugated bilirubin processed by liver 0–7 µmol/L
Albumin Protein made by the liver 35–50 g/L
Total Protein Albumin + globulins 60–80 g/L
Prothrombin Time (PT/INR) Blood clotting ability INR ~1.0 (normal)

(Note: U/L = units per liter, µmol/L = micromoles per liter, g/L = grams per liter)

📊 What Do Results Mean?

  • High ALT/AST: Suggests liver cell injury (hepatitis, alcohol damage, medication side effects).
  • High ALP/GGT: May indicate bile duct obstruction, gallstones, or heavy alcohol use.
  • High Bilirubin: Causes jaundice; linked to liver disease or bile duct blockage.
  • Low Albumin/Protein: May reflect chronic liver disease or malnutrition.
  • Abnormal PT/INR: Suggests impaired liver’s ability to make clotting factors.

⚠️ Factors That Affect Results

  • Medications (e.g., statins, antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs).
  • Alcohol consumption.
  • Diet and exercise.
  • Pregnancy (can alter ALP).
  • Other conditions (heart disease, bone disorders).

🧾 Patient Tips

  • No special preparation is usually needed, but follow your doctor’s advice.
  • Tell your doctor about all medications and supplements.
  • Avoid alcohol before the test for accurate results.
  • Repeat testing may be needed to monitor changes over time.

✅ Key Takeaway

Liver Function Tests are simple blood tests that provide critical insights into liver health. Abnormal values don’t always mean serious disease, but they should be interpreted by a healthcare professional in the context of your overall health, lifestyle, and medical history.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Test:

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test is a simple blood test that helps detect inflammation in the body. It measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube over one hour, expressed in millimeters per hour (mm/h).

🧪 Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

🌿 What is ESR?

  • Erythrocytes are red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.
  • When blood is placed in a tall, thin test tube, red cells gradually settle to the bottom.
  • The sedimentation rate reflects how fast this happens.
  • Inflammation causes proteins (like fibrinogen) to make red cells clump together, so they sink faster.

Thus, ESR is a nonspecific marker of inflammation.

🎯 Why is the ESR Test Done?

Doctors may order ESR to:

  • Detect inflammation due to infection, autoimmune disease, or cancer.
  • Monitor chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or temporal arteritis.
  • Assess response to treatment in inflammatory diseases.
  • Investigate symptoms like prolonged fever, weight loss, or joint pain.

🩸 How is the Test Performed?

  • A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm.
  • The sample is placed in a vertical tube (Westergren or Wintrobe method).
  • The distance red blood cells fall in one hour is measured in millimeters per hour (mm/h).
  • No special preparation (like fasting) is usually required.

📊 Normal Ranges (SI Units)

Reference ranges vary slightly by lab, but typical values are:

Group Normal ESR (mm/h)
Men (under 50 years) 0 – 15 mm/h
Women (under 50 years) 0 – 20 mm/h
Men (over 50 years) 0 – 20 mm/h
Women (over 50 years) 0 – 30 mm/h
Children 0 – 10 mm/h
Newborns 0 – 2 mm/h

⚠️ What Do Results Mean?

  • High ESR:
    • Infections (e.g., tuberculosis)
    • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
    • Cancers (especially blood cancers)
    • Chronic kidney disease
    • Pregnancy (mildly elevated is normal)
  • Low ESR:
    • Polycythemia (too many red blood cells)
    • Sickle cell anemia
    • Abnormal red cell shapes (affect settling)

Important: ESR is nonspecific. A high result does not pinpoint the exact cause—it only signals that inflammation may be present.

🧾 Patient Tips

  • No fasting is needed; eat and drink normally.
  • Tell your doctor about medications, as some (like steroids or NSAIDs) can affect ESR.
  • Repeat testing may be required to monitor trends over time.
  • ESR is often combined with other tests (like C-reactive protein, CRP) for a clearer picture.

✅ Key Takeaway

The ESR test is a simple, inexpensive blood test that helps detect and monitor inflammation. While useful, it is not diagnostic on its own—results must be interpreted alongside other tests and your clinical history.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis tests are blood tests that detect viral infections of the liver (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E), check immunity, and monitor liver damage. Results are reported in SI units such as international units per milliliter (IU/mL), micromoles per liter (µmol/L), or qualitative “positive/negative” markers.

🧪 Hepatitis Test

🌿 What is Hepatitis?

  • Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver.
  • Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E) is caused by different viruses, each with unique transmission routes.
  • If untreated, hepatitis can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

🎯 Why Are Hepatitis Tests Done?

Doctors may order hepatitis tests to:

  • Detect active infection with hepatitis viruses.
  • Check for past infection or immunity (from vaccination or recovery).
  • Monitor chronic hepatitis B or C.
  • Investigate symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, or dark urine.
  • Screen people at risk (healthcare workers, pregnant women, people with multiple transfusions, or unsafe injection practices).

🩸 Types of Hepatitis Tests

1. Hepatitis A (HAV)

  • Anti-HAV IgM: Indicates recent infection.
  • Anti-HAV IgG: Past infection or immunity.
  • Reported qualitatively (positive/negative).

2. Hepatitis B (HBV)

  • HBsAg (Surface Antigen): Active infection.
    • Reported as signal-to-cutoff ratio or IU/mL.
  • Anti-HBs (Surface Antibody): Immunity.
    • Protective immunity usually ≥10 IU/L.
  • Anti-HBc (Core Antibody): Past or ongoing infection.
  • HBV DNA (viral load): Active replication.
    • Measured in IU/mL (e.g., <20 IU/mL = undetectable).

3. Hepatitis C (HCV)

  • Anti-HCV Antibody: Exposure to virus.
  • HCV RNA (PCR): Confirms active infection.
    • Reported in IU/mL (ranges from <15 IU/mL to millions IU/mL).
  • Genotype testing: Guides treatment.

4. Hepatitis D (HDV)

  • Anti-HDV Antibody / HDV RNA: Detects infection.
  • Only occurs in people with Hepatitis B.

5. Hepatitis E (HEV)

  • Anti-HEV IgM: Recent infection.
  • Anti-HEV IgG: Past infection or immunity.

📊 Normal and Abnormal Results

  • Negative antigen/RNA/DNA: No active infection.
  • Positive antibodies only: Past infection or successful vaccination.
  • Positive antigen or RNA/DNA: Active infection requiring medical follow-up.

⚠️ What Do Results Mean?

  • High viral load (HBV DNA or HCV RNA in IU/mL): Active replication, higher risk of liver damage.
  • Low or undetectable viral load: Controlled infection or effective treatment.
  • Protective antibody levels (Anti-HBs ≥10 IU/L): Immunity after vaccination or recovery.

🧾 Patient Tips

  • No fasting is usually required.
  • Tell your doctor about vaccinations, medications, or risk factors.
  • Follow-up testing may be needed to confirm diagnosis or monitor treatment.
  • Vaccination is available for Hepatitis A and B (which also prevents D).
  • Lifestyle changes (avoiding alcohol, safe practices) protect the liver.

✅ Key Takeaway

Hepatitis tests are essential for early detection, prevention, and monitoring of liver disease. Results in SI units (IU/mL, µmol/L, g/L) help doctors determine whether you have an active infection, past exposure, or immunity. Always consult a healthcare professional to interpret your results in the context of your health history.

Malaria

Malaria tests are blood tests used to detect malaria parasites in the body. They are essential for early diagnosis, guiding treatment, and preventing complications.

🧪 Malaria Test

🌿 What is Malaria?

  • Malaria is a serious infection caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
  • Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. Severe malaria can cause organ failure and death if untreated.
  • Because malaria symptoms can resemble flu or other infections, testing is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

🎯 Why is the Malaria Test Done?

Doctors recommend malaria testing to:

  • Confirm whether symptoms are due to malaria or another illness.
  • Identify the specific parasite species (Plasmodium falciparum, vivax, ovale, malariae, or knowlesi).
  • Determine the severity of infection (parasite load).
  • Guide appropriate treatment and monitor response.
  • Screen travelers returning from malaria-endemic regions.

🩸 Types of Malaria Tests

1. Microscopy (Blood Smear) – Gold Standard

  • A drop of blood is examined under a microscope.
  • Detects parasites directly and identifies species.
  • Can estimate parasite density (percentage of infected red blood cells).
  • Requires skilled laboratory staff.

2. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs)

  • Detect malaria antigens in blood using test strips.
  • Provide results in 15–20 minutes.
  • Useful in areas without advanced labs.
  • Reported qualitatively: positive/negative.

3. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

  • Detects parasite DNA.
  • Highly sensitive and specific.
  • Used in research or reference labs, not routine care.

4. Serology

  • Detects antibodies against malaria.
  • Indicates past exposure, not active infection.

📊 Normal and Abnormal Results

  • Negative test: No malaria parasites detected.
  • Positive test: Parasites present; species and parasite load reported.
  • Parasite density: Expressed as % of infected red blood cells or parasites per microliter (µL) of blood.
    • Example: Severe malaria often >100,000 parasites/µL.

⚠️ What Do Results Mean?

  • Positive microscopy or RDT: Active malaria infection requiring treatment.
  • High parasite load: Severe malaria, urgent medical care needed.
  • Negative test but symptoms persist: Repeat testing may be required, as parasites can fluctuate in the blood.

🧾 Patient Tips

  • No fasting is required for malaria tests.
  • Seek testing promptly if you develop fever after visiting malaria-endemic areas.
  • Tell your doctor about recent travel history.
  • Follow-up tests may be needed to monitor treatment success.
  • Prevention matters: Use mosquito nets, repellents, and prophylactic medicines when traveling to high-risk areas.

✅ Key Takeaway

Malaria tests are vital for early detection and proper treatment. The most reliable method is microscopy, but rapid tests are widely used for quick diagnosis. Results guide doctors in choosing the right medication and preventing severe complications.

Urinalysis

A urine test (urinalysis) is a simple, non-invasive test that examines the content and appearance of urine to help detect a wide range of health conditions, including infections, kidney disease, diabetes, and liver problems.

🧪 Urine Test (Urinalysis)

🌿 What is a Urine Test?

  • A urine test or urinalysis involves analyzing a urine sample to check for substances that may indicate disease.
  • It is one of the most common diagnostic tests because urine reflects how the body is functioning and can reveal problems in the kidneys, urinary tract, liver, and metabolism.
  • The test is quick, painless, and often part of routine health check-ups.

🎯 Why is a Urine Test Done?

Doctors may order a urine test to:

  • Detect urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • Monitor kidney function and detect kidney disease.
  • Screen for diabetes (by checking glucose levels).
  • Assess liver function (bilirubin in urine).
  • Detect blood in urine (hematuria).
  • Monitor hydration status and overall health.
  • Check for drug use or pregnancy (specialized urine tests).

🩸 Types of Urine Tests

  1. Visual Examination
    • Checks color, clarity, and odor.
    • Normal urine is pale yellow and clear.
    • Cloudy or dark urine may indicate infection, dehydration, or liver disease.
  2. Dipstick Test
    • A chemically treated strip is dipped into urine.
    • Detects pH, protein, glucose, ketones, blood, bilirubin, nitrites, and leukocytes.
    • Results are semi-quantitative.
  3. Microscopic Examination
    • Urine is examined under a microscope.
    • Identifies cells, crystals, bacteria, or casts (structures formed in kidney tubules).
  4. 24-Hour Urine Collection
    • Measures substances over a full day (e.g., creatinine, protein, electrolytes).
    • Provides more accurate assessment of kidney function.

📊 Normal Ranges (SI Units)

Typical values (may vary by lab):

Parameter Normal Range
pH 4.5 – 8.0
Specific Gravity 1.005 – 1.030
Protein <150 mg/day (≈ <0.15 g/day)
Glucose Negative
Ketones Negative
Bilirubin Negative
Urobilinogen 0.2 – 1.0 mg/dL (≈ 3.5 – 17 µmol/L)
Creatinine (24h urine) Men: 7–18 mmol/day; Women: 5–16 mmol/day

⚠️ What Do Results Mean?

  • Protein in urine (proteinuria): May indicate kidney disease.
  • Glucose in urine (glycosuria): Suggests diabetes.
  • Blood in urine: Could be due to infection, stones, or more serious conditions.
  • High bilirubin: May signal liver disease or bile duct obstruction.
  • Abnormal pH: Can reflect infection or metabolic imbalance.

🧾 Patient Tips

  • No fasting is usually required, but follow your doctor’s instructions.
  • Midstream urine sample is preferred to avoid contamination.
  • Drink water but avoid excessive fluid intake before the test.
  • Inform your doctor about medications, as some can affect results.
  • Repeat testing may be needed to confirm abnormal findings.

✅ Key Takeaway

Urine tests are simple, inexpensive, and highly informative. They provide valuable insights into kidney, liver, and metabolic health. Abnormal results don’t always mean disease but should be interpreted by a healthcare professional in the context of your overall health.

Creatinine
Understanding the Creatinine Test: What It Is, Why It’s Done, and What Your Results Mean

Creatinine is a natural waste product produced in the muscles during the breakdown of a compound called creatine, which plays a key role in energy production. Because your muscles produce creatinine at a relatively constant rate, and your kidneys are responsible for filtering it out of the bloodstream, measuring creatinine levels provides valuable information about how well your kidneys are functioning.

What Is a Creatinine Test?

A creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in your blood and/or urine. Since healthy kidneys are highly effective at removing creatinine from the body, elevated levels in the blood often indicate impaired kidney function. Conversely, low levels in urine may signal the same problem — that the kidneys are failing to filter waste properly.

Creatinine testing is commonly included in two widely used lab test groups:

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Both panels evaluate different aspects of your body’s metabolic and organ function and are frequently used during routine checkups, emergency evaluations, and hospital admissions. In some cases, creatinine is also included in a specialized renal panel, which focuses specifically on kidney health.

Creatinine and BUN: A Powerful Combination for Kidney Assessment

The creatinine test is usually ordered together with Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN). While creatinine reflects muscle metabolism, BUN measures urea, a waste product from protein metabolism. Evaluating these two together helps doctors gain a more complete picture of kidney performance.

A high creatinine level, especially when accompanied by an elevated BUN, can point to:

Acute kidney injury

Chronic kidney disease

Dehydration

Kidney infections or blockages

Conditions affecting blood flow to the kidneys

When Is the Creatinine Test Recommended?

Your healthcare provider may request a creatinine test if you:

Show signs of kidney disease, such as swelling, fatigue, or changes in urination

Have chronic illnesses known to damage kidneys, including diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease

Are taking medications that may affect kidney function

Are scheduled for imaging procedures like a CT scan or MRI that require contrast dyes — which can be harmful if your kidneys are not working properly

Need ongoing monitoring to track the progression of kidney disease or response to treatment

Why Monitoring Creatinine Matters

Kidneys silently perform one of the body’s most essential tasks — filtering toxins and waste products from the blood. If your kidneys aren’t working well, creatinine builds up in the bloodstream. Early detection through routine creatinine testing can help prevent serious complications, including:

Kidney failure

Fluid imbalance

Electrolyte disturbances

Cardiovascular complications

For individuals with chronic conditions, regular creatinine and BUN testing helps ensure timely adjustments in medication, diet, and overall treatment plans.

Final Thoughts

The creatinine test is a simple yet powerful tool used to evaluate your kidney health. Whether as part of a routine checkup, an emergency evaluation, or ongoing monitoring, it provides crucial insight into how effectively your kidneys are filtering waste. Keeping your creatinine levels within a healthy range is essential to your overall well-being — and early detection of kidney problems can make treatment more effective.

If you are managing diabetes, hypertension, or any condition that affects the kidneys, talk to your healthcare provider about how often you should get your creatinine levels checked.