KIDNEY FUNCTION TESTS

Healthy kidneys remove wastes and excess fluid from the blood. Blood and urine tests show how well the kidneys are doing their job in removing the toxic waste from the body.

The urine tests also help figure out whether the proteins and sugar are being excreted out or not, which implies damage to the kidney itself. Here's a fast guide to the tests for kidney function

Serum Creatinine

Creatinine is a waste product that is formed after muscle tissue breakdown. The levels of Creatinine in the blood will vary by age and body size. Higher levels of creatinine are indicative of kidney problems

A creatinine level of >1.2 for Females and >1.4 for Males is a sign of concern.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

This is to determine, how well the kidneys work in removing wastes and excess fluid from the blood. It's calculated from the rate at which kidneys are filtering the wastes, the rate depends on age, gender, size, height, and weight.

A GFR below 60 could be a sign that the kidneys aren't operating properly. Once the GFR decreases below 15, one is at high risk of needing dialysis or an organ transplant.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

BUN quantifies nitrogen which is made from protein breakdown, in the blood. Its level is between 7 and 20. As the performance of the kidney decreases, the level rises.

Urinalysis

Includes microscopic examination of a urine sample to find out the presence of molecules that are normally not present in urine such as protein, sugar, pus cell, and microorganisms

Urinalysis is most commonly performed, when there is a suspicion of urinary tract infection or when the patient presents with symptoms of Abdominal pain, Back pain,  Painful/frequent/ burning urination, and blood in the urine, which could point towards UTI, bladder injury or kidney disease.

The test is also used to monitor diabetes, kidney or liver disease; or detecting pregnancy.

A chemical examination or dipstick test is done by using strips that are infused with chemicals and dipped in urine to reveal what is present in urine and in what amount? [ low or  excess]

As we know lab reports specify a few tests such as

·         Specific gravity: it is the measure of concentration– How concentrated your urine is? A higher concentration means you are not drinking enough water..

·         pH: Urine is usually slightly acidic, about pH 6. Changes in pH level or acidity indicate issues

o   A value less than 5, that is too acidic– there is a risk of development of stones

o   A value of more than 7 is basic and indicates a bacterial infection

·         Protein: The traces of protein in urine are normal. A small amount of increase in protein in urine can occur after exercise, fever, or stress, but a large amount of protein indicates a kidney problem.

·         Glucose: Glucose (sugar) is not detected normally in urine and detection is a sign of diabetes

·         Ketones: just like glucose, any amount of ketones detected in urine could be a sign of diabetes