From the Guidelines
Renal labs are crucial for evaluating kidney function and diagnosing kidney disease, with the most important tests including creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), electrolytes, and urinalysis, as well as albumin-to-creatinine ratio in urine to detect early kidney disease 1.
Key Renal Labs
- Creatinine: a waste product filtered by kidneys, with normal levels typically ranging from 0.7-1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5-1.0 mg/dL for women 1
- eGFR: calculated from creatinine, providing a more accurate assessment of kidney function, with normal values above 90 mL/min/1.73m² 1
- BUN: another waste product that rises with kidney dysfunction, normally ranging from 7-20 mg/dL 1
- Electrolytes: such as sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, which are monitored since kidneys regulate these substances 1
- Urinalysis: examines urine for protein, blood, and other abnormalities that might indicate kidney damage 1
- Albumin-to-creatinine ratio in urine: detects early kidney disease by measuring small amounts of protein leakage, with an abnormal ratio being greater than 30 mg/g in untimed (spot) urine samples 1
Importance of Renal Labs
Regular monitoring of these values is essential for patients with kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, or those taking medications that affect kidney function, as it helps to diagnose and manage kidney disease, and prevent complications such as acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and electrolyte imbalances 1.
Diagnosis and Management
The diagnosis of kidney disease is based on the presence of kidney damage or decreased kidney function, as indicated by abnormal renal labs, and the staging of chronic kidney disease is based on the estimated GFR, with five stages of CKD, ranging from stage 1 (kidney damage with normal or increased GFR) to stage 5 (kidney failure) 1.
Clinical Implications
Abnormal renal labs can indicate conditions such as chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, or electrolyte imbalances, and regular monitoring of these values is crucial for patients with kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, or those taking medications that affect kidney function, to prevent complications and improve outcomes 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
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From the Research
Understanding Renal Labs
Renal labs, also known as kidney function tests, are used to assess the health and function of the kidneys. These tests can help diagnose and monitor kidney diseases, such as acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) 2, 3.
Key Components of Renal Labs
- Serum Creatinine: a waste product that is filtered by the kidneys and measured in the blood to assess kidney function 4, 5.
- Urine Output: the amount of urine produced by the kidneys, which can indicate kidney function and fluid status 2, 3.
- Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): a calculation that estimates the rate at which the kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from the blood 6.
- Urinalysis: a test that examines the physical and chemical properties of urine to detect abnormalities and diagnose kidney diseases 3.
Interpreting Renal Lab Results
- Elevated Serum Creatinine: may indicate decreased kidney function or kidney damage 2, 3.
- Decreased Urine Output: may indicate decreased kidney function, dehydration, or obstruction in the urinary tract 2, 3.
- Abnormal Urinalysis: may indicate kidney disease, infection, or other abnormalities in the urinary tract 3.
Clinical Applications of Renal Labs
- Diagnosing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): renal labs are used to diagnose and monitor AKI, which can be caused by various factors such as medication, illness, or injury 2, 3.
- Monitoring Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): renal labs are used to monitor CKD progression and adjust treatment plans accordingly 6.
- Assessing Kidney Function: renal labs are used to assess kidney function in patients with kidney disease or those at risk of developing kidney disease 5.