Kidney / RFT Screen

What Do Creatinine Levels Tell You?

• Kidney Function Marker: High blood creatinine levels (serum creatinine) indicate that the kidneys may not be working correctly.
• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): Because serum creatinine varies by muscle mass, doctors often calculate the GFR—a more accurate measure of how fast your kidneys filter blood—using the creatinine value, age, and sex.

Causes of High Creatinine Levels

Elevated creatinine does not always indicate permanent kidney disease; it can be caused by:

• Temporary Issues: Dehydration, high dietary meat consumption, or intense exercise.
• Kidney Disease/Injury: Acute kidney injury (AKI) or chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• Other Factors: Muscle disorders, injuries, and certain medications.

Causes of Low Creatinine Levels

Low levels are less common and may indicate malnutrition, severe liver disease, or conditions causing muscle loss/wasting.

Key Aspects of the Urea Test:

• Purpose: Evaluates kidney health, diagnoses kidney disease, and monitors treatments like dialysis.
• Procedure: A routine, rapid blood draw from a vein in the arm.
• High Levels (Azotemia): May indicate kidney failure, dehydration, congestive heart failure, or high protein diet.
• Low Levels: Less common, but may indicate liver disease or malnutrition.
• Associated Tests: Often paired with creatinine (BUN-to-creatinine ratio) for a more accurate assessment.

Other Types of Urea Tests:

Urea Breath Test (UBT): A completely different, non-invasive test used specifically to detect Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) bacteria in the stomach, which can cause ulcers.

Symptoms Indicating a Need for a Test:

• Fatigue or lack of energy.
• Swelling in hands or feet (edema).
• Reduced urine output.
• Persistent nausea or confusion.

Key Details About BUN Levels:

• Purpose: Measures kidney and liver function.
• What is Urea? A byproduct of protein metabolism created in the liver, filtered by the kidneys, and removed via urine.

BUN Test Context:

• Common Associations: Often part of a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) or Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP).
• Creatinine: Often tested alongside creatinine for a more accurate assessment (BUN/creatinine ratio).
• Interpreting Results: A high BUN does not solely mean kidney disease, as diet and hydration significantly impact levels.

BUN/Creatinine Ratio - Lab test

Key Information About Uric Acid Tests:

• Purpose: The test evaluates how well the body breaks down and excretes waste (purines). It is primarily used to diagnose and monitor gout, a painful arthritis caused by crystals.
• What is Measured: Uric acid levels in serum (blood) or urine (24-hour collection).
• Normal Range: While ranges vary by lab, general normal values are often 3.0 to 7.1 mg/dL for women and 4.0 to 8.6 mg/dL for men.
• High Levels (Hyperuricemia): Elevated levels can indicate gout, kidney disease, or Metabolic Syndrome.
• Procedure: A blood test involves a quick, routine venipuncture with minimal discomfort.

Preparation and Considerations

• Preparation: Usually, no special preparation is required for a blood test.
• Factors Affecting Results: Medications (like diuretics), diet, alcohol consumption, and kidney function can impact results.

Potassium - Lab test