a. General. There are many blood tests that can be used to assist in the identification and measurement of gastrointestinal disorders. For example:

(1) Impaired glucose utilization may be detected by abnormal blood glucose levels. Tests used are the fasting blood glucose, post-prandial blood glucose, and glucose tolerance test.

(2) Elevated blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (fats) are indicative of the need for patient education in dietary habits, allowing for modification before serious disease occurs.

(3) Measuring levels of serum enzymes can provide information about the liver, the pancreas, and the patency of the biliary system. Enzymes tested include amylase, lipase, alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, SGPT, and LDH.

b. Nursing Implications. 

(1) It is a nursing responsibility to ensure that the patient has had the appropriate preparation. For example: a special diet or fasting.

(2) It is a nursing responsibility to be aware of the normal and abnormal ranges of blood tests, in order to understand the significance of the test results.