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October 11, 2023Kidney Profile
Kidney function test,” assesses how well your kidneys are working. This panel usually includes several tests that measure various substances to help determine kidney function. Here are the main components:
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Urea is a waste product formed in the liver when protein is broken down. The kidneys filter urea from the blood into the urine. Elevated BUN levels may suggest reduced kidney function, though it can also be raised due to other reasons like dehydration or high protein intake.
- Creatinine: This waste product comes from the normal wear and tear on muscles. The kidneys also filter creatinine out of the blood and into the urine. An increased level in the blood suggests a decrease in kidney function.
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): This is a calculated value based on the creatinine level, age, gender, and race. It estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli (tiny filters in the kidneys) each minute. A lower eGFR indicates poorer kidney function.
- Electrolytes:
- Sodium (Na): Kidneys help regulate the balance of sodium in the blood. Both high (hypernatremia) and low (hyponatremia) levels can be indicative of kidney problems or other conditions.
- Potassium (K): The kidneys also regulate potassium balance. High levels (hyperkalemia) can be dangerous and might indicate kidney dysfunction, while low levels (hypokalemia) can have various causes, including some kidney conditions.
- Bicarbonate (HCO3-) or Total CO2: This measures the balance of acid and base in your blood. Changes can indicate a problem with the kidneys’ acid-base regulation.
- Chloride (Cl): Another electrolyte that the kidneys help balance. Deviations can be related to kidney function or other conditions.
- Calcium: Kidneys play a role in calcium regulation in the body. Abnormal levels can be related to kidney function or other conditions, like parathyroid gland issues.
- Phosphate (Phosphorus): Kidneys help to regulate the amount of phosphate in the blood. High levels might indicate kidney dysfunction among other possibilities.
- Albumin: This is a protein in the blood. Low levels might suggest kidney damage, especially if there is protein in the urine.
Indications for a Kidney Profile Blood Test:
- Monitoring Known Kidney Disease: To track the progression and manage the treatment.
- Symptoms of Kidney Dysfunction: Swelling (edema), fatigue, frequent urination, blood in the urine, etc.
- Risk Factors for Kidney Disease: Diabetes, hypertension, family history of kidney disease, older age, certain ethnic backgrounds.
- Monitoring Potential Nephrotoxic Medications: Some medications can harm the kidneys, and regular testing is necessary when these drugs are prescribed.
- Pre-operative Assessment: Before surgeries to ensure kidney function is adequate.
- Systemic Diseases: Conditions like lupus or vasculitis can affect the kidneys.
- Acute Illnesses: Some acute conditions can impact kidney function, such as heart failure, sepsis, or certain infections.
If you or someone you know is undergoing a kidney profile test, it’s essential to discuss the results with a healthcare professional to understand their implications.
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