The kidneys are among the most vital organs of the human body. We must understand what are the functions of the kidneys, as well as how to take care of the kidneys to avoid various diseases. Improved lifestyle changes (e.g. healthy eating)  and  get tested for renal function regularly will help  to keep kidneys healthy

Here's a quick guide to the tests used to measure kidney function:

1. Urinalysis

A urinalysis can help to detect a variety of kidney and urinary tract disorders, including chronic kidney disease, diabetes, bladder infections and kidney stones.

1. BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)

This test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. Urea nitrogen is a waste product your body makes from the breakdown of protein in the foods you eat. Healthy kidneys filter urea nitrogen out of your blood and it leaves your body through your urine. This process helps keep your BUN level within a normal range. If your levels are higher than normal, this may be a sign that your kidneys are not working as well as they should. As kidney disease progresses, your BUN level goes up.

1. Creatinine

Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine phosphate from muscle and protein metabolism.

Healthy kidneys filter creatinine out of the blood. Creatinine exits your body as a waste product in urine.

A serum creatinine blood test measures the amount of creatinine in your blood. If your kidneys are not working like they should, your serum creatinine level goes up. 

1. Gout

Uric acid is a waste product found in blood. It’s created when the body breaks down chemicals called purines. Most uric acid dissolves in the blood, passes through the kidneys and leaves the body in urine. Some food and drinks that are high in purines can increase the level of uric acid. High uric acid levels in the body can cause crystals of uric acid to form, leading to gout

1. Cystatin C

Cystatin C is a protein that is produced at a constant rate by all nucleated cells. by the cells in your body.

It is freely filtered by the glomerulus This test measures the amount of cystatin C in blood to help evaluate kidney function.

6. eGFR 

GFR is Glomerular Filtration Rate and it is a key indicator of renal function. eGFR is estimated GFR and is a mathematically derived entity based on a patient’s serum creatinine level   

7. Microalbumin Urine

A urine microalbumin test is a test to detect very small levels of a blood protein (albumin) in your urine. A microalbumin test is used to detect early signs of kidney damage in people who are at risk of developing kidney disease.

 Supporting examination used to detect the presence or absence of early stage kidney damage. 

Non-Laboratory Tests

* Kidney Ultrasound 

A kidney ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic exam that produces images, which are used to assess the size, shape, and location of the kidneys. Ultrasound may also be used to assess blood flow to the kidneys

Regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they get worst. They also can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better. 

 Good Health will bring good quality of life as well. Find PRAMITA lab near you to test for renal function tests. 

Author : Dian Rahma Dewi, dr  (Doctor of medical services PRAMITA Clinical Laboratory Surabaya Branch Adityawarman)