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What is Renal Function Test?
Normally, people have two kidneys located on both sides of the spine and are approximate to the size of a human fist. The kidneys are involved in the excretion of toxins such as creatinine, uric acid, urea, and waste products from the body. It also regulates the fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, synthesizes hormones like erythropoietin, renin, and vitamin D.
Those with kidney diseases or diseases affecting kidney function require an assessment of kidney function. The renal or kidney function tests help in identifying renal diseases, monitoring the progression of kidney diseases, and the kidney’s response to ongoing therapies.
The overall prevalence of chronic renal disease is nearly 14%, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Renal Function Test used for?
The renal function tests include the following tests: glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), cystatin C, proteinuria, albuminuria, urine analysis, etc. The renal function tests are performed to identify a renal disease, which part of the kidney is affected, progression of existing renal disease to plan treatment accordingly, and during renal transplantations. It is also used to monitor renal function during the administration of nephrotoxic agents for therapeutic management of the patients.
Understanding the test results of the Kidney / Renal Function Test.
The results of the kidney function tests should always be interpreted by qualified physicians or other healthcare personnel, and patients are not advised to self-diagnose.
However, the GFR equal to or above 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 is considered normal, below 60 indicated mean kidney disease, and below 15 is associated with mean kidney failure. The normal urine albumin level is lower than 30 mcg/L, and the values above 30 indicate mean kidney disease.
Why do I need a Renal Function Test?
Renal function tests are mainly indicated in those with hypertension (blood pressure), diabetes (blood sugar), high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and a family history of kidney diseases. Since the above-mentioned groups of patients have a risk factor for developing kidney disease. Kidney function tests are also used in existing kidney patients to monitor their therapies.
What happens during the Renal Function Test?
To test kidney function, a 24-hour urine sample and a blood test are required. The urine samples are collected throughout the day into special containers provided by the healthcare personnel, blood samples are collected from the vein of the arms into a test tube or vial by the laboratory personnel.
What is included in the renal function test?
The panel of kidney function tests can vary across hospitals and clinics, but it normally includes GFR, electrolytes like sodium, chloride, potassium, bicarbonate, minerals like calcium, phosphorous, and proteins like albumin, and body waste products such as urea, creatinine, and energy sources like glucose. Sometimes, imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, and biopsies are also used.
What are normal renal function test results?
The normal GFR is equal to or above 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The normal urine albumin is 30mg/g. The normal serum creatinine is between 0.7-1.3mg/dl and 0.6-1.1 mg/dl for men and women, respectively. Blood urea nitrogen's normal value ranges from 7-20mg/dl.
How long does a renal function test take?
The kidney function test includes a 24-hour urine sampling test and blood tests. The urine samples have to be collected throughout the day, and the blood samples are collected in the laboratory by the healthcare personnel from the veins of the upper arms. The results of kidney function tests are available within a few days.
Which food is good for the kidneys?
Food items good for kidneys include cauliflower, red grapes, cabbage, radish, garlic, onions, and egg white.
Is lemon water good for kidneys?
Lemon water is a rich source of vitamin C, ascorbic acid, and other antioxidants. Consumption of lemon water is not associated with any risk for renal function, and indeed can also be safely consumed by kidney patients.
 For more information, book an appointment at Yashoda Hospital.
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