Introduction
Your kidneys help keep your body healthy. They remove waste and extra water from your blood. Kidney function tests check how well your kidneys work. These tests are important because they can find problems early. Early treatment can help prevent serious health issues. According to the CDC, millions of people have kidney disease but do not know it. So, regular kidney function tests can help protect your health.
Types of Kidney Function Tests
There are several main kidney function tests. Each test checks a different part of kidney health. Here are the most common ones:
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): This test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. High levels may mean your kidneys are not working well.
Creatinine: This test checks the level of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product. Healthy kidneys remove it from your blood.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): This test estimates how well your kidneys filter blood. A low GFR can be a sign of kidney disease.
Urinalysis: This test checks your urine for protein, blood, or other signs of kidney problems.
Each test gives important information about your kidney health. Together, they help your doctor understand how your kidneys are working.
Symptoms and Signs That May Require Testing
Sometimes, you may not notice any signs of kidney problems. However, certain symptoms can mean you need kidney function tests. For example, you should talk to your doctor if you have:
Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet
Changes in how often you urinate
Blood in your urine
Foamy or bubbly urine
Tiredness or weakness
Shortness of breath
Loss of appetite or nausea
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, you may need regular kidney function tests even without symptoms.
How Kidney Function Tests Are Performed
Kidney function tests are simple and safe. Most tests use a blood or urine sample. Here is what you can expect during the kidney test procedure:
Blood Tests: A nurse or technician will draw a small amount of blood from your arm. The process takes only a few minutes.
Urine Tests: You will be asked to provide a urine sample in a clean container. Sometimes, you may need to collect urine over 24 hours.
Usually, you do not need special preparation. However, your doctor may give you specific instructions. Always follow your doctor’s advice before the test.
Understanding Your Results
After the tests, your doctor will review your results. Here is what normal kidney test results usually mean:
BUN: Normal range is about 7–20 mg/dL.
Creatinine: Normal range is about 0.6–1.3 mg/dL for adults.
GFR: A GFR of 90 or above is normal. A lower number may mean kidney disease.
Urinalysis: Normal urine should not have protein or blood.
But, abnormal results do not always mean you have kidney disease. Sometimes, other factors can affect your results. Your doctor will explain what your results mean for you.
Causes of Abnormal Kidney Test Results
Many things can cause abnormal kidney function test results. Some common causes include:
Dehydration
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Infections
Kidney stones
Certain medicines
Heart problems
Because many conditions can affect your kidneys, it is important to talk to your doctor about your results.
Treatment and Next Steps After Abnormal Results
If your kidney function tests are abnormal, your doctor will guide you on what to do next. Sometimes, you may need more tests to find the cause. In other cases, your doctor may suggest:
Changing your diet
Taking new medicines
Managing blood pressure or blood sugar
Seeing a kidney specialist
Early treatment can help prevent further kidney damage. Always follow your doctor’s advice for the best care.
Prevention and Lifestyle Tips for Kidney Health
There are many ways to keep your kidneys healthy. For example, you can:
Drink enough water every day
Eat a balanced diet with less salt
Stay active and exercise regularly
Control your blood pressure and blood sugar
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Take medicines only as prescribed
By making healthy choices, you can lower your risk of kidney problems.
When to Consult a Doctor
If you notice any signs of kidney trouble, talk to your doctor right away. Even if you feel fine, regular kidney function tests are important if you have risk factors. Early testing can help catch problems before they get worse.
In summary, kidney function tests are simple but important tools for checking your kidney health. They help find problems early so you can get the right care. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on kidney function tests and kidney health.
When to Consult a Doctor for Kidney Health
If you notice signs of kidney trouble, see a doctor right away. Even if you feel fine, regular kidney function tests are crucial if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
Early testing = early care.
Book your Kidney Function Test at Lotus Diagnostics today and stay ahead of kidney problems!