Discuss laboratory tests appropriate to evaluate somatic pro

Solution

Question: Discuss laboratory tests appropriate to evaluate somatic proteins and visceral proteins

Answer:

Protein status in a body can be assessed by evaluating both the somatic protein and visceral protein status. Both of them together constitutes to nearly 30% to 50% of total body protein

Somatic protein status

visceral protein status

Measure of the protein in

skeletal muscles only

all other proteins in viscera organs- liver, WBCs, serum, blood cells etc.,

Evaluation

Creatinine serves as a best measure as it is produced in the muscle cells

Serum albumin (or other serum proteins) is best and easily tested in the laboratory

Name of Test

24-hour urinary creatinine excretion Test – Measures the creatinine levels in urine, this is an example of static or direct test

Serum albumin Test- The albumin levels in the serum is measured.

This is measured by comparing with the standards based on stature and weight of the body or to the reference values from the creatinine-height index (CHI). CHI amounts depends upon the sex, stature and weight of the body. The samples must and should have to be collected in 24 hours exactly. The more the skeletal muscle the more the creatinine is excreted. So the creatinine is best and easily tested in the laboratory. It uses the circumference and area of midarm muscle.

This is an example of functional or indirect test, done for measuring malnutrition. During inflammation its levels decreases

Other Tests

3-methylhistidine Test (It is an amino acid)

Prealbumin (PAB), transferrin, retinol-binding protein (RBP)