Chemistry Screen

What To Think About

There are several different chemistry screens. For example, an SMA-7 looks at 7 parts of the blood, including uric acid, potassium, and sodium. A complete chemistry screen (or SMA-20) looks at the same areas 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.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: May 19, 2006
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.