Chemistry Screen

What To Think About

There are several different chemistry screens. For example, an SMA-7 looks at 7 substances in the blood, including uric acid, potassium, and sodium. A complete chemistry screen (or SMA-20) looks at the same things as an SMA-7 plus 13 others (such as phosphorus, carbon dioxide, and bilirubin). Which chemistry screen your doctor orders depends on why you are having the test, your symptoms, and whether you have any specific conditions or diseases.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: April 17, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine
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