Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
What the test is
It includes everything in a basic metabolic panel plus liver tests and proteins.
What it measures
- Glucose and calcium
- Sodium, potassium, chloride, and CO2
- BUN and creatinine (kidney)
- Albumin and total protein
- ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin (liver)
Why it's done
- Routine checkups
- Monitoring medicines that can affect the liver or kidneys
- Checking ongoing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or liver disease
Getting ready and what happens
- You may be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours.
How the test is done
- A health worker cleans the skin, puts a band around your arm, and draws blood from a vein with a small needle. It takes a few minutes.
What the results mean
| Result | Typical range for adults |
|---|---|
| Albumin | 3.5 to 5.0 g/dL |
| Total protein | 6.0 to 8.3 g/dL |
| ALT | About 7 to 55 U/L (labs vary) |
| AST | About 8 to 48 U/L (labs vary) |
| Alkaline phosphatase | About 40 to 130 U/L (higher in children and teens) |
| Total bilirubin | About 0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL |
Normal ranges vary from lab to lab and can differ by age, sex, and pregnancy. Your report lists your lab's own range next to each result. A result a little outside the range is often not a problem.
Out-of-range results
Mildly abnormal liver or kidney results are common and often temporary. Your provider may repeat the test or look for causes like medicines, alcohol, fatty liver, or dehydration.
Questions to ask your provider
- What do my results mean for me?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
- Which results are out of range, and what could cause them?
- Should the test be repeated?
Risks
A blood draw is very safe. You may have slight pain or a small bruise where the needle went in.
Related conditions
Related tests
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.