What laboratory tests are recommended for maintenance in a patient with a solitary kidney (single remaining kidney)?

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Last updated: April 29, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

For a person with only one remaining kidney, I strongly recommend regular laboratory tests including serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and a complete metabolic panel every 3-6 months, as well as urinalysis with urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, to monitor kidney function and overall health. These tests are crucial for early detection of kidney function decline, enabling timely interventions to preserve the remaining kidney. According to the most recent guidelines, such as those outlined in 1, monitoring should include:

  • Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to assess kidney function
  • Urinalysis to check for protein, blood, and signs of infection
  • Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio to detect early signs of kidney damage
  • Electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus) to monitor for imbalances that can affect kidney function
  • Blood pressure readings and complete blood count (CBC) to monitor for hypertension and anemia, which can develop with kidney issues
  • Regular HbA1c testing if the patient has diabetes, as diabetes can further stress the remaining kidney The frequency of testing may need to be increased if abnormalities are detected or if the patient has additional risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, or a history of kidney stones. It is essential to follow the most recent guidelines, such as those outlined in 1, which provide recommendations for monitoring and managing kidney health in individuals with a single kidney.

From the Research

Laboratory Tests for Maintenance of a Person with One Remaining Kidney

There are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as the provided study 2 discusses acetyl-coenzyme A deacylase activity in liver and is not relevant to the maintenance of a person with one remaining kidney.

Relevant Considerations

  • The study 2 focuses on the subcellular distribution and substrate specificity of acetyl-coenzyme A deacylase activities in rat liver, which is not directly related to kidney function or maintenance.
  • To determine the appropriate laboratory tests for a person with one remaining kidney, it would be necessary to consult studies or guidelines specific to nephrology or kidney health.
  • Some potential laboratory tests that may be relevant to kidney health include:
    • Serum creatinine
    • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
    • Electrolyte panels
    • Urinalysis However, without relevant evidence, it is not possible to provide a definitive answer to this question.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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