Kidney Function Test

Your kidneys function silently around the clock to remove waste, maintain fluid balance, and regulate the levels of vital minerals. A Kidney Function Test will give you insight into the functioning of your kidneys before any problems arise.

If you are keen to remain proactive about your health, this article will walk you through what the test entails, its causes of dysfunction, and when you should have it tested.

What Is Kidney Function Testing?

This test package is a general marker for kidney function. It includes the following tests:

1. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): BUN measures waste products in your blood that come from protein breakdown. High levels may mean your kidneys are not removing waste properly or that you are dehydrated.
2. Creatinine: Creatinine is a waste product made by your muscles. Healthy kidneys remove it from the blood. Measuring creatinine helps assess kidney function and monitor kidney disease or dialysis.
3. Sodium: Sodium helps control fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve function. Abnormal levels may be linked to dehydration, fluid imbalance, or kidney problems.
4. Potassium: Potassium is important for muscle movement and heart rhythm. Too much or too little potassium can cause muscle weakness or irregular heartbeats and may indicate kidney issues.
5. Chloride: Chloride works with sodium to maintain fluid balance and acid–base balance in the body. Abnormal levels may be related to dehydration, kidney disease, or metabolic problems.
6. Uric Acid: Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down certain foods and cells. High levels can be linked to gout, kidney disease, or problems with metabolism.
7. Phosphorus: Phosphorus helps build strong bones and teeth. Abnormal levels may be associated with kidney disease, bone disorders, or hormone imbalances.
8. Magnesium: Magnesium supports muscle, nerve, and heart function. Low or high levels can cause muscle cramps, weakness, or heart rhythm problems.
9. Total Protein: This test measures the total amount of protein in your blood. It can give clues about nutrition, kidney health, liver function, and immune system status.
10. Albumin: Albumin is the main protein in your blood and helps keep fluid in your bloodstream. Low levels may suggest kidney disease, liver disease, poor nutrition, or inflammation.
11. Globulin: Globulins are proteins that help fight infections and carry substances in the blood. Abnormal levels may indicate infection, inflammation, or immune or liver disorders.

Your physician may also perform this test as part of an executive check-up to identify early signs of kidney strain due to lifestyle factors, age, or other health issues.

Five Typical Reasons for Kidney Dysfunction

The five common reasons for kidney dysfunction are:

• Diabetes (High Blood Sugar Levels): The high sugar levels in the blood can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. Over time, this can impair the kidneys’ filtering function and result in chronic kidney disease if not treated early.
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The constant pressure can damage the filtering system of the kidneys. Over time, the kidneys can leak protein into the urine and eventually fail.
• Dehydration and Inadequate Fluid Intake: Inadequate fluid intake can decrease blood flow to the kidneys. This can impair the kidneys’ ability to flush out toxins and increase the risk of kidney stones and infections.
• Frequent Use of Pain Medications: Taking too much of certain pain medications can damage the kidneys. This is particularly dangerous when taken without a doctor’s prescription and in conjunction with dehydration.
• Infections and Obstructions of the Urinary Tract: Urinary tract infections and kidney stones can cause infections and obstructions. These can put pressure on the kidneys and eventually cause permanent damage if left untreated.

Common Tests Included in Kidney Health Screening

Kidney tests are not conducted independently. They are often done in conjunction with other vital tests to provide a comprehensive health status.

These tests include:

• Urinalysis, test used to detect and monitor urinary tract and kidney disorders, including both functional and structural abnormalities.
• Complete blood count, which is used to diagnose anemia caused by kidney problems
• Lipid profile, as high cholesterol impacts blood flow to the kidneys

In most health facilities, these tests are packaged in an executive check-up package, which makes preventive health care more affordable.

When Do You Need a Kidney Function Test?

You may want to undergo a test if you:

• Have hypertension or diabetes
• Undergo a pre-employment medical examination
• Desire basic health information from an executive checkup

FAQs

Does kidney testing cause any pain?

No. It only involves taking a blood sample and a urine specimen.

How often should my kidney get tested?

Once a year is best, especially if you have risk factors.

Can kidney disease be prevented?

Yes. Early detection enables you to make lifestyle changes to slow down or halt its progression.

Protect Your Kidney with Preventive Testing at Medi Linx

Kidney disease can be silent until it reaches an advanced stage. At Medi Linx, a Send Out Lab, our team of experts will guide you through our diagnostic process to help you identify issues early, interpret your results accurately, and take decisive action. Book your kidney function test today with Medi Linx because prevention is always better than a cure. Take Control of Your Kidney Health Today