Your kidneys are essential organs, as they filter out harmful components from your blood. Once the waste passes through your kidneys, your body expels it through your urine. When this isn’t done correctly, you have a kidney problem that likely needs to be addressed by a medical professional.
Medical testing is essential for diagnosing and assessing many health issues, and kidney function tests in particular are vital for patients with kidney issues. Let’s take a look at the most common kidney-related tests and why such medical testing is so important for kidney patients.
Blood Tests
A blood test will let your doctor assess how well and fast each kidney flushes out toxins from your body. The following are a few of the most commonly prescribed tests:
· Serum Creatinine
This test measures the amount of creatinine in your bloodstream. A higher serum creatinine level indicates poor kidney function. For women, levels above 1.2 are considered dangerous. For men, it is over 1.4.
· Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
Doctors often recommend this alongside the serum creatinine test. To get your final GFR number, your doctor will consider your age and sex. Here’s what your results mean:
- At least a score of 60 and a normal urine albumin exam – your kidneys are functioning normally
- Lower than 60 – you have kidney disease
- Lower than 15 – you might experience possible kidney failure, meaning you may need dialysis or a transplant
● Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
A BUN test measures urea nitrogen levels in the blood. Your body produces this substance when it breaks down the protein you eat.
In turn, your kidneys flush out urea nitrogen from your blood when you expel urine. As long as they continue to do this, your BUN levels stay in a normal range.
A BUN test result of 7 to 20 indicates normal levels. Anything higher means your kidneys might not function as well as they should. People with existing kidney disease can expect their BUN levels to increase if their illness worsens.
Urine Tests
Proteins called proteinuria may be present in your urine, indicating kidney issues. To check for this, your physician may prescribe a few urine tests.
● Dipstick Urine Test
This type is one of the most common urinary tests, as it is usually a part of overall urinalysis. Its results will show albumin levels. Albumin is a protein your liver produces and may be flushed into your urine by the kidneys.
The doctor, nurse, or lab technician will dip a dipstick into your urine sample, and its color will change according to your albumin levels. An abnormal reading means your doctor needs to perform more medical tests.
● Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR)
The UACR test calculates your albumin level and compares it to your creatinine level. A UACR of 30 or more indicates possible kidney disease. Your doctor will use your results to discern the best treatment for your illness.
People with pre-existing kidney conditions will be tested regularly for UACR. When their urine albumin levels decrease, it is an adequate indication of a positive response to treatment.
Other Medical Tests
Kidney patients can also benefit from the following:
● Imaging Tests
An imaging test is an excellent way to capture the current state of your kidney. Your physician may use it to observe how your blood flows into your kidneys. The results can show any blockages or changes in your blood vessels.
● Blood Pressure
High blood pressure causes most cases of kidney failure and disease. If your doctor finds that yours is higher than usual, they may check your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
The overall results will show your risk for stroke, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease.
● Biopsy
In certain serious cases, doctors recommend a kidney biopsy, where they take a small portion of the kidney tissue. They will examine the sample under a microscope to check for potential diseases or kidney damage.
Trusted Kidney Doctor In Westwood, MA
If you are a kidney patient, your physician may prescribe urine, blood, imaging, and biopsy tests to observe for any abnormalities. These tests can show signs of underlying diseases. Kidney patients must undergo such tests regularly to check how well they respond to treatment.
Commonwealth Nephrology Associates is a top-notch facility that offers only the best care for patients with kidney diseases. Our team of board-certified nephrologists can prescribe and perform all needed function tests. They can also provide optimal care with our high-quality dialysis and kidney treatments.
Call us at (617) 739-2100 for any questions. To set up an appointment, you can submit an online request form. You may visit us at any of our seven locations in the Massachusetts area. Check out our website for complete location details.
