*** Routine Lab Tests: The Blood Chemistry Panel
When you go to the doctor she may run a series of ‘routine tests.’ However, there are different tests that paint completely different pictures. For instance, a CBC (complete blood count) is used to measure the level of various blood cells, such as white blood cells and red blood cells. On the other hand, a chemistry panel measures the level of various electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium) and other chemicals in your blood. This article focuses on chemistry panels and their significance. <u>Indications</u>: Serum chemistry tests can be quite basic or very extensive.