causes of weight loss and tests that emergency providers should consider obtaining when considering certain diagnoses Commonly obtained tests that may be considered include complete blood count (CBC), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, electrolytes, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, thyroid testing, and testing for celiac disease Albumin and prealbumin are often obtained, however they lack sensitivity and specificity for malnutrition and are also negative acutephase reactants, and therefore will often be low during times of illness Fatsoluble vitamin levels (A, D, E, K) and stool studies may be obtained if malabsorption or bacterial/parasitic enteritis are suspected TABLE 83.3 ACUTELY LIFE-THREATENING CAUSES OF WEIGHT LOSS