CEA stands for carcinoembryonic antigen. CEA is a blood-measurable protein that can be higher in some cancers, especially colorectal adenocarcinoma. CEA is most commonly used as a **tumor marker** to support monitoring over time. CEA is also referenced in gastroenterology, hepatology, and GI oncology when interpreting cancer follow-up and liver-related clearance.
Tumor Markers are measurable substances linked to cancer or to the body’s response to cancer. They are most often checked in blood, but some are measured in urine, stool, or tissue. In gastroenterology and hepatology, they are commonly used alongside imaging and endoscopy. They help clinicians assess risk, track disease over time, and monitor treatment response.
Lipase is an enzyme that breaks down dietary fat into smaller molecules the body can absorb. In clinical care, Lipase most often refers to a blood test measuring pancreatic lipase activity. It is commonly used when clinicians evaluate abdominal pain and suspected pancreatic disease. It is also discussed in digestion, malabsorption, and pancreatic function.
Amylase is an enzyme that helps break down carbohydrates into smaller sugars. It is produced mainly by the pancreas and the salivary glands. In clinical medicine, Amylase is commonly measured with a blood test (and sometimes a urine test). It is often discussed when evaluating pancreatic and upper abdominal conditions.
INR is the **International Normalized Ratio**, a standardized way to report blood clotting time. It is calculated from the **prothrombin time (PT)** to help results stay comparable across laboratories. INR is commonly used to monitor **warfarin** therapy and to assess **liver-related changes in coagulation**.
Prothrombin Time is a blood test that measures how quickly plasma forms a clot. It reflects the function of specific clotting proteins made largely by the liver. It is commonly reported in seconds and often standardized as the international normalized ratio (INR). It is widely used in hepatology, peri-procedural care, and anticoagulation monitoring.
Total Protein is a blood (or body fluid) measurement of the combined amount of protein present. In serum, it mainly reflects albumin plus a broad group called globulins. It is commonly reported on routine chemistry panels and in evaluations of liver disease, nutrition, and inflammation. In gastroenterology and hepatology, it is often interpreted alongside albumin, liver enzymes, and bilirubin.
Albumin is the most abundant protein in human blood plasma. It is made mainly by the liver and circulates throughout the body. Clinicians use Albumin as a lab value to assess illness severity and overall physiology. Albumin is also given intravenously as a blood-derived fluid in selected hospital settings.
Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme measured in blood. It is most commonly used as part of a liver and biliary (hepatobiliary) evaluation. Clinicians use GGT to help interpret abnormal liver-related lab patterns, especially when alkaline phosphatase is elevated. It is discussed frequently in gastroenterology, hepatology, and general internal medicine.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme measured on routine blood tests. It is found in several tissues, especially the liver and bile ducts and also bone. Clinicians use ALP most often to evaluate cholestasis, meaning reduced or blocked bile flow. ALP is commonly interpreted alongside other liver blood tests in gastroenterology and hepatology.