Kidney function tests

Kidney function tests are a variety of laboratory tests and procedures that can be done to evaluate the function of the kidneys. These tests can help to identify kidney disease and monitor its progression, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of kidney treatment.

Overview

The kidneys are vital organs that perform many functions to keep the blood clean and chemically balanced. These functions include filtering waste and excess substances from the blood, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining overall body homeostasis. Kidney function tests are important tools in assessing how well the kidneys are performing these tasks.

Types of Kidney Function Tests

There are several types of kidney function tests, including:

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): This test measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood that comes from the waste product urea. Urea is made when protein is broken down in your body. Urea is made in the liver and passed out of your body in the urine.

• Serum Creatinine: Creatinine is a waste product that is produced continuously during normal muscle breakdown. The kidneys filter creatinine from the blood into the urine, and it is then excreted from the body. The creatinine level in the blood is a measure of kidney function.

• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): This test measures how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. It is estimated from the serum creatinine level and other factors such as age and gender.

• Urine Tests: These tests measure various components of the urine, such as the concentration of waste products, and can help to identify specific types of kidney disease.

Interpretation of Results

The results of kidney function tests must be interpreted in the context of the individual patient's medical history, physical examination, and the presence of any symptoms or signs of kidney disease. Abnormal results may indicate kidney disease, but they can also be due to other medical conditions or the use of certain medications.

See Also

• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Acute Kidney Injury
• Renal Physiology
• Nephrology

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Kidney function tests for any updates.

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