Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

(^328) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified

Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a red-yellow pigment that results from the breakdown of red blood

cells. Normally, bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted in stool. Elevated

levels of bilirubin (jaundice) may indicate liver damage or disease.

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)

This test measures the amount of the enzyme GGT in the blood. Higher-than-normal

levels may indicate liver or bile duct injury.

Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)

LDH is an enzyme found in many body tissues, including the liver. Elevated levels

of LDH may indicate liver damage.

Prothrombin Time (PT)

This test measures the clotting time of plasma. Increased PT may indicate liver

damage.

Hepatitis Panel

• Tests for acute viral hepatitis include:
  
  
  • Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg)
  
  
  • Hepatitis A Virus antibody (anti-HAV)
  
  
  • Hepatitis B core antibody Immunoglobulin M (IgM anti-HBc)
  
  
  • Hepatitis C Virus antibody (anti-HCV)
  
  
  
  


• Tests for chronic hepatitis include:
  
  
  • Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg)
  
  
  • Hepatitis C Virus antibody (anti-HCV)
  
  
  • Hepatitis D Virus antibody (anti-HDV)
  
  
  
  


• HAV is confirmed by detecting an IgM antibody to HAV (IgM anti-HAV).


• HBV is confirmed by detecting HBsAg and IgM anti-HBC (when Hepatitis
  B early Antigen (HBeAg) is detected, patient is highly infectious).


• HCV is confirmed by detecting ELISA-2 and RIBA-2.


• HDV is confirmed by detecting anti-HDV and serologic markers for HBV.


• HEV—only research-based tests are available at this time.