The kidney function blood test assesses the health and functionality of the kidneys, and analyses various markers in the blood that provide information into how well the kidneys are filtering out waste and balancing electrolytes in the body. It is a non-invasive and popular test that is conducted for early detection, monitoring, and management of kidney-related issues.
Who should get a Kidney Function Blood Test?
Those who suffer with two conditions that particularly impact the kidney, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are likely to be recommended a kidney function blood test in order to monitor the progress of the kidneys. Furthermore, individuals with heart disease, or a higher risk of heart conditions, are recommended to have a kidney function blood test as well.Benefits of a Kidney Function Blood Test
- Early Detection: Kidney function blood tests measure key indicators such as creatinine and eGFR, it can detect subtle changes in kidney function before symptoms manifest. Early detection of conditions is key to getting the help you need, as conditions often progress without showing symptoms until they are in the late stages, this test provides a proactive approach that enhances the likelihood of intervention
- Monitoring Chronic Conditions: Chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can be managed and monitored by a kidney function blood test, elevated blood sugar levels can potentially cause kidney damage, and regular monitoring allows for the adjustment of treatment plans, lifestyle, and medications.
- Risk Factors: With this test, we are able to identify potential health risks, and assess the risk factors of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions to make informed decision on your healthcare and the road to treatment.
What are the signs of kidney disease?
Primarily characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function, which can occur over months or even years, kidney disease has numerous symptoms, and can cause many complications, however, an individuals kidney function can decline by up to 90% before any symptoms appear, therefore it is always recommended to get a kidney function blood test as a precaution.
Because the kidneys keep us healthy by removing waste from our blood, via millions of filters called nephrons, if these nephrons are damaged, they begin to malfunction. This will eventually cause a loss of its function, therefore the kidneys will not be able to filter waste out of our blood well enough to keep us healthy, leading to experiencing chronic kidney disease (CKD) symptoms.
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen ankles
- Itchy Skin
- Feeling Sick
- Muscle Cramps
- Anaemia
- Nerve Damage
What is measured in a Kidney Function Blood Test?
- Creatinine: The breakdown of muscles causes the production of creatinine, a waste product, that is effectively filtered out by healthy kidneys from blood, finally being removed through urine. Elevated levels of creatinine can suggest reduced kidney function.
- eGFR: eGFR is a calculated value that estimates how well the kidneys are currently filtering the waste from blood, providing an overall assessment of kidney function and is typically considered one of the critical parameters in kidney function testing.
- Globulin: Having a role in immunity, transportation, and clotting within the body, globulin is measured during a kidney function blood test, monitoring these levels can aid in the early detection of health issues, and effective management of kidney-related conditions.
- Potassium: Potassium is closely monitored in a kidney function blood test, contributing to nerve function, muscle contractions, and fluid balance, if abnormal levels are detected, it can indicate potential kidney problems.
- Sodium: An essential electrolyte, sodium maintains fluid balance, nerve function, and blood pressure regulation, the kidney function blood test measures sodium levels because it can indicate potential kidney issues, and will similarly aid in early detection and management of related conditions.
- Urea: Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), a waste product produced through the breakdown of proteins in the liver, urea is filtered from the blood by the kidneys, and higher levels of blood urea nitrogen indicates impaired kidney function.
Our Blood Tests:
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Kidney and Liver function blood test
This blood test measures biomarkers for liver disease, including Ferritin, Urea, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Creatinine, and more...
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Kidney function test
Kidney function tests can be used to provide a measure of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), this alongside urea, potassium, sodium, creatinine and globulin can be used to identify issues with the rate at which the kidneys are able to remove waste from the body.
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