If a kidney function test returns an abnormal result, doctors may order more tests to learn what is happening. An abnormal result does not necessarily mean permanent kidney damage. Changes may sometimes be related to dehydration, recent illness, medications, blood pressure or other health problems. Doctors get a broader picture of kidney health from additional tests.
What Does An Abnormal Kidney Function Test Result Mean?
Kidneys remove waste and excess fluid from blood. Their ability to filter may change and blood or urine tests may show abnormal findings. Doctors usually use a combination of test results, symptoms, medical history and previous reports.
The test will be repeated from time to time to see if the abnormality persists or if the result has returned to the normal range.
Doctors May Recommend Blood Tests
There are several blood tests that can provide information about kidney function.
Serum creatinine: Creatinine is a waste product that is filtered out by the kidneys. A higher-than-normal level can be a sign of decreased kidney filtration, although other factors can influence this.
eGFR: Estimated glomerular filtration rate is a way to measure the filtering capacity of the kidneys based on creatinine and other information. Doctors may also look at eGFR over time, not just one reading.
Blood Urea/BUN: Urea is another waste product that the kidneys clear. This result is interpreted together with other findings because levels may change for reasons other than kidney problems.
Electrolytes: Tests for sodium, potassium and other electrolytes can reveal whether changes in kidney function are affecting the body’s fluid and mineral balance.
Doctors may also check blood pressure. High blood pressure can be related to kidney problems and may occur when kidney function is decreased.
Urine Tests Kidney Health Tests
Urine tests can provide important clues that blood tests cannot.
Urinalysis — A test of the urine for such findings as blood, protein, signs of infection, and other abnormalities. They could help doctors look for reasons for abnormal kidney function.
Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) measures the amount of protein, albumin, in the urine. An increase in albumin could mean that the kidney’s filtering system is allowing more protein to pass into the urine than it should. Blood or protein in the urine can have many causes and further testing may be required.
Tests For The Kidneys Imaging Tests
A doctor might suggest a kidney ultrasound if they want to get a closer look at the kidneys. It can evaluate the size, structure, urinary obstruction, cysts or other visible changes of the kidneys. Doctors may order other imaging tests to answer a particular clinical question depending on the clinical situation.
Do I Sometimes Need More Tests?
Yes. Further investigations depend on suspected cause and the patient’s symptoms, medical history, medicines, blood pressure and blood or urine findings. Sometimes doctors suggest tests for infection, autoimmune conditions, blood disorders or other possible causes. The aim is to determine what made the abnormal result happen and if the change is temporary or permanent.
If kidney function continues to be abnormal, evaluation by a qualified kidney specialist can help ensure the findings are interpreted in the proper context. Choosing a reliable nephrology hospital in indore gives you access to the right kidney tests and expert consultation according to your specific requirements.
FAQs
1. What test do doctors use to check kidney function?
Serum creatinine is a very common test. eGFR is usually calculated from serum creatinine to estimate kidney filtration.
2. Can Dehydration Cause Abnormal Kidney Function Tests?
Yeah. Dehydration can affect blood tests such as creatinine and urea. Testing may be repeated. Hydration and other factors are taken into account.
3. Creatinine levels?
Elevated creatinine levels are a sign of decreased kidney filtration but can also be affected by muscle mass, hydration, some medications and other factors.
4. Does an abnormal kidney test always mean kidney disease?
No. One abnormal test does not equate to chronic kidney disease. Doctors may repeat tests and consider other findings before arriving at an assessment.
5. When to consult a kidney specialist?
If abnormal kidney findings continue, get worse or need more testing based on the person’s overall health, a kidney specialist may be needed.