Kidney function tests

Kidney function tests are essential. The kidneys play a fundamental role in our health, filtering the blood and cleaning it of waste and toxins. Understanding where the kidneys are and what they do helps you adopt appropriate behaviors. In fact, identifying and treating any kidney problems promptly is good practice for avoiding complications in what can sometimes be temporary and curable conditions.

What are the kidney function tests?

There are several tests for assessing kidney function. These can, in fact, be divided into two categories: blood tests and urine tests.

Blood tests

The blood tests needed to assess kidney function are those that measure certain levels. The reference values for creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, estimated glomerular filtration rate and electrolytes are, in fact, extremely important.

• Creatinine: Creatinine is a substance produced by the muscles. A high level of creatinine in the blood can indicate a kidney problem.
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): BUN is a waste product of protein metabolism. A high level of BUN in the blood can indicate a kidney problem.
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): The eGFR is a measure of the kidneys’ ability to filter the blood. A low eGFR can indicate a kidney problem.
• Electrolytes: The kidneys help regulate the levels of electrolytes in the blood, such as sodium, potassium and chloride. An abnormal electrolyte level can indicate a kidney problem.

Urine tests

Among the tests for the kidneys, the doctor always requests a complete urinalysis. This provides the albumin and urine creatinine values.

• Complete urinalysis: This test evaluates various aspects of the urine, such as color, clarity and the presence of protein or blood.
• Urine albumin: Albumin is a protein that should not be present in the urine. In fact, its presence can indicate a kidney problem.
• Urine creatinine: Urine creatinine is the amount of creatinine present in the urine. A high level of urine creatinine can indicate a kidney problem.

When kidney function tests are needed

Kidney function tests should be performed regularly, especially when there are conditions that call for monitoring the parameters. Anyone who is in one or more of these situations should have a kidney function checkup:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Family history of kidney disease
• Taking nephrotoxic drugs

How to interpret the results of kidney function tests

The interpretation of the results of kidney function tests must be left to the doctor, who will take into account several factors, such as age, sex, general health and the medications being taken. The Nefrocenter group, in fact, has nephrology specialists within it who are able to accurately assess any condition of the patient. In several parts of Italy there are also state-of-the-art facilities for the prevention, care and treatment of kidney diseases, such as the Rome American Hospital in Roma.

What to do if kidney function tests are abnormal

If the test results are abnormal, the doctor may also prescribe further tests to take a closer look at the diagnosis and identify the cause of the problem. Depending on the cause, the doctor will prescribe the most suitable treatment for the patient, also based on the patient’s medical condition.