It's important to take necessary health precautions and make preparations before starting the Ramadan fast. Some of the screening examinations that can be done include:

1. Examination of fat and blood sugar profile

    The examination is done to determine blood sugar levels as well as total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterol in the body. It is related to the onset of diseases such as heart, hypertension, diabetes and stroke.

2. Examination Of Kidney Function

    There are 4 (four )types of examinations to check kidney function :

     * Urea or blood urea nitrogen (BUN). 

          BUN examination is necessary to determine the level of urea nitrogen in the blood, which is a residual substance of protein metabolism.

     * Urine tests. 

          The content of protein and blood in the urine can indicate a decrease in kidney function.  Urine tests can be used to detect protein as well as blood.

     * Glomerular Filtration Rate. 

          Examination to see the ability of the kidneys in filtering metabolic waste substances in the body.

     * Blood creatinine. 

          Serves to determine the level of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a residual substance of muscle breakdown that will be removed through the kidneys. High creatinine levels in the blood can be a sign of kidney problems.

3. Examination Of Liver Function

      It is also necessary to have examinations to detect and monitor the progression of liver disease, assess the effectiveness and monitor the side effects of treatment and check how severe the damage is to the liver.

4. Blood Pressure Check

    Blood pressure checks are done to read the symptoms of the presence of conditions that are dangerous with blood pressure, such as hypertension.

Author: dr. Nety Kurniati (Clinical Laboratory Manager of PRAMITA Clinic Jl. The Big No. 24 Jakarta)