Kidney Function Tests 101: Types, Results & What to Do Next
Your kidneys never rest and constantly purify the waste products and maintain the blood chemistry of the body. How do you know whether they are working optimally? This is where the kidney functional tests (KFT tests) come into the picture by providing you with a certain glimpse of your kidney health, possibly diagnosing different diseases in the kidneys, guiding therapy routes, and observing the progression of any kidney complications you might be experiencing.
Here, we will shed some light on the various types of kidney tests, and other tests that they can measure, and how they are interpreted by medical personnel. XACTvisiondiagnostics, as pioneer name in the sector strive to help you become a proactive agent in your health and be able to act to preserve your kidneys working at its best in future years.
What are Kidney Function Test?
A series of medical tests evaluate the functioning of the kidney; this is referred to as a kidney function test. Such tests may be blood tests, urine tests or even both. This is crucial since your kidneys are critical in filtering waste products in your blood as well as any excess liquid, maintain your blood pressure, and forming important hormones in your body, which are vital in maintaining your general wellbeing.
Kidney function tests do the following:
Checking waste products in your blood: Normally, healthy kidneys filter wastes. When these levels are raised out in your blood, then that is a factor indicative of the fact that your kidneys are not performing as effectively as should be able.
Look out for the abnormalities of your
Urine test: Your urine should not include excessive quantities of protein, or blood cells, as a rule. These may be an indication of liver difficulties.
Calculate your glomerular filtration rate
GFR test: GFR measures the level at which your kidney functions to eliminate wastes in your blood. GFR can be estimated in various methods, frequently by use of blood tests.
Types of Kidney Function Tests
There are basically three major tests in kidney function, namely- bloody tests, urine tests and imaging tests. These tests portray a general picture of the capability of the kidney to work. Now, let us take a closer look into each of the types of kidney function tests.
Blood tests
Kidney function test- blood tests that determine the measurements of waste products in your blood that is normally eliminated by your kidneys. Some of these wastes products include blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine.
Blood Urea Nitrogen Test
In this test, the level of nitrogen in your blood is taken which originated in the waste product urea. Arise when the liver breaks down proteins and the normal discharge of Urea is done in the kidneys. Increased BUN may be a sign of impaired kidney or other disorders that obtain kidney performance.
Assessment of Serum Creatinine
Creatinine is wastes that are manufactured by muscles. Blood level of creatinine is determined in this test. high levels of creatinine in the kidney may imply an abnormal kidney functioning since normal kidneys remove creatinine in the blood and pass it to the urine.
The calculation of the estimated GFR
The eGFR test to determine the functioning of kidneys is a calculation according to the level of serum creatinine, age, sex, race. It estimates the amount of blood that flows through the kidneys through glomeruli, its tiny filters through each minute. eGFR is believed to be one of the best parameters of kidney functioning. An eGFR level that is lower means that the kidneys are not functioning as well as before.
Urine tests
Urine tests are to see whether there is a normal problem with your urine that is, whether there is protein or blood which is another sign of the kidney malfunction or even disease.
Microalbuminuria
Microalbuminuria occurs when traces of protein referred to as albumin are placed in the urine. This test is used to determine the amount of albumin in the urine that can be viewed as an indicator of the beginning of the damage to the kidneys.
In healthy kidneys, the products of waste that are in the blood are filtered to the urine, for example, proteins in the urine are a waste product removed by a healthy kidney.
Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a general approach screening examination that looks into the chemical and physical characteristics of the urine. It examines several elements of urine like colour, clearness, pH, specific gravity, as well as existence of substances like glucose, ketones, blood cells as well as bacteria. Uranalysis will be useful in telling us about the functioning of the kidney and also in the presence of any infection as well as any actual kidney stones or any other related disease with the kidneys.
It is also a common test that is usually carried out among the initial tests to assess the health of the kidneys and the ways the urinary system is functioning.
Proteinuria Test
Proteinuria happens when protein in the urine is in excess. It is a test of the level of protein that appears in the urine after a certain time span, usually within 24 hours. Proteinuria may be the first indication of kidney disorder or lack of ability by the kidneys to sieve the blood of waste products.
It is crucial to tracking the work of kidneys and determining the extent of kidney injury. Increased proteinuria can be the sign of glomerular diseases, tubular abnormalities, or whole-body diseases like diabetes or hypertension.
Imaging tests
Images of your kidneys can be made by using ultrasound or X-ray. An imaging test can assist your doctor to determine the size of your kidneys and their shape and also determine the occurrence of any blockage or abnormality.
Ultrasound Scan
Ultrasound scan or renal ultrasound or renal sonogram is a test in which sound waves are used to produce images of the kidneys and the urinary system. It is also useful to visualise the size, shape and structure of kidneys, spot irregularities like kidney stone, kidney cysts, kidney tumour and urinary tract like obstruction.
It is an entirely pain-free and non-invasive imaging modality that is normally employed to determine the health of the kidneys and diagnose numerous kidney-related disorders.
CT Scan
A CT scan is a quality scan that involves application of X-rays and use of computer technology in producing cross-sectional images of the kidneys and its surroundings. It gives better images than the ultrasound and can reveal smaller abnormalities more accurately. CT scan is useful when dealing with kidney stone, tumours, cysts, kidney infections, and other kidney diseases.
MRI Scan
The creation of images with MRI involves a strong sense of magnetic field and radio waves to offer images of kidneys and adjoining tissues in great detail. It also has superb soft tissue contrast and is used in the detection of tumours, cysts and vascular disorders in kidneys.
It is especially helpful when there is the desire to assess the intricate renal disorders and determine the efficiency of the kidneys in view of not using contrast dye.
Other tests and measures for kidney function you should know
Electrolyte Panels Test
Electrolyte panel test- Electrolyte panel test is used to measure quantity of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate in the blood. Some important roles played by electrolytes include fluids balance, nerve functioning, and muscular contraction among other functions of the body. The electrolyte disproportion may be the result of a kidney disorder, dehydration, some drugs or other health issues.
The observation of electrolyte levels would assist in understanding the functioning of kidneys and providing an approach to treating electrolyte hype or deficiency, which frequently accompanies kidney disease.
Albumin- Creatinine Ratio (ACR)
Albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) An albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is a urine test which quantifies the ratio of albumin (a protein) to creatinine (a waste product) in the urine. To identify and measure the level of albuminuria or excessive albumain in the urine that indicates early kidney damage, ACR is employed. A high ACR level means there is high permeability of the filtration barrier of the kidney, and hence, there is leakage of albumin into the urine.
ACR tests are imperative to diagnosing and tracking kidney sickness, especially in patients with diabetes or hypertension, which are more likely to undergo kidney harm.
Cystatin C Test
Cystatin C is a freely filtered protein produced across the body at a regular rate by cells. Cystatin C test is used to examine the amount of cystatin C in the blood, a parameter that identifies the kidney functioning. The levels of cystatin C as opposed to creatinine may not be affected by age, muscle mass, or diet, besides other factors.
Hence, cystatin C assays can better estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and kidney functioning especially in patients whose muscle mass changes or when they have a disease that influences the rate of creatinine.
Interpretation of Test Results
Interpreting kidney function test results involves analysing various parameters measured in blood and urine tests to assess the health and functionality of the kidneys. Abnormal results may prompt further evaluation, monitoring, or treatment by healthcare professionals to manage kidney disease and associated complications effectively.
Normal Ranges for Kidney Function Tests
The normal range of kidney function test is different according to the test being carried out and the reference values that laboratories use. Generally, the normal range of frequently performed renal functions tests is the following:
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): 7-20 mg/dl
Serum Creatinine: 0.6-1.2 mg /dL in men and 0.5-1.1 mg/ dL in women.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): When the value of GFR is greater than 90, it is normal.
Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR): A value of less than 30 mg/ g indicates that it is normal.
Explanation of Abnormal Results and What They May Indicate
Unusual kidney functions tests could show an abnormal renal dysfunction or a defective state of the kidney, which is based on other illnesses. The common abnormalities and what they might imply are:
Abnormal glucose level
May represent diminishing renal functioning, dehydration, obstructed urinary tract or other renal diseases.
Decreased eGFR
Denotes impaired kidney (renal) performance and potentially reflects the condition of both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI).
High levels of ACR
Recommend greater permeability of the filtration barrier of the kidney, which can be a sign of damage to the kidneys or microalbuminuria, which is normally found in diabetes or hypertension.
Abnormal electrolyte levels
Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, or bicarbonate) imbalance could be a consequence of kidney dysunction, dehydration or other health instability factors.
Follow-Up Recommendations
The second step is learning about the follow-up recommendations based on your particular outcomes. These suggestions will help you know your way ahead; either you have passed your tests in the normal range or show some possible complications or you are already diagnosed with the presence of kidney disease.
Actions to take after receiving abnormal test results
If your renal function test (RFT) results are abnormal, take quick action:
See your doctor: Schedule a follow-up to discuss the results and ask any questions.
Understand your results: Ask for clear explanations if needed so you know what the numbers mean.
Follow medical advice: Stick to your doctor’s recommended tests, treatments, or lifestyle changes to protect your kidney health.
Lifestyle changes to improve kidney health
Making healthy changes can support your kidneys and slow disease progression:
Eat smart: Cut down on salt and watch your protein intake to ease pressure on your kidneys.
Stay active: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days to support heart and kidney health.
Take medications properly: Follow prescriptions closely and monitor for side effects to manage conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Conclusion
Kidney functions tests examinations are very important in the evaluation and preservation of your kidney and general health. These tests are effective in early screening and treatment of kidney complications because they allow one to understand the functions of the kidneys and therefore prevent dangerous complications in future.
In case you have any concerns with regard to kidney health, xactvision diagnostic is available with skilled Nephrologists to respond to your queries and treat a diversified set of Kidney issues. Defence kidney. Make an appointment into a specialist at the xactvision diagnostic today.