Renal function test
Renal Function Test
A Renal Function Test is a group of tests that are used to evaluate how well the kidneys are working. These tests are important in detecting early signs of kidney disease and monitoring the progression of established kidney disease.
Overview[edit | edit source]
The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and excreting them in the urine. They also play a crucial role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance, regulating blood pressure, and producing the hormone erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production.
Renal function tests are used to assess the kidneys' ability to perform these tasks. They can help diagnose kidney disease, monitor its progression, and guide treatment decisions.
Types of Renal Function Tests[edit | edit source]
There are several types of renal function tests, including:
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test: This test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. Urea nitrogen is a waste product that is produced in the liver and filtered out of the blood by the kidneys.
- Serum Creatinine Test: This test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the muscles and filtered out of the blood by the kidneys.
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): This test estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.
- Urine Tests: These tests measure various substances in the urine, such as protein, glucose, and red and white blood cells.
Interpretation of Results[edit | edit source]
The results of renal function tests can help determine the cause of kidney disease, monitor its progression, and guide treatment decisions. For example, high levels of urea nitrogen and creatinine in the blood may indicate that the kidneys are not filtering waste properly. A low eGFR may suggest that the kidneys are not filtering blood as well as they should be.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
