Kidney Function Tests Explained

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Kidney function tests help doctors understand how well your kidneys are working. These tests can detect kidney disease early, often before symptoms appear.

Why Kidney Function Tests Matter

Your kidneys remove waste and excess fluid from the blood. When the kidneys are damaged, harmful substances can build up in the body. Kidney function tests help doctors detect these changes early and monitor kidney health over time.

These tests are especially important for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.

1. Creatinine

Creatinine is a waste product made by your muscles. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine out of the blood. If your kidneys are not working well, the creatinine level in your blood may rise.

2. eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

The eGFR is a calculation based on your creatinine result and other factors such as age and sex. It estimates how well your kidneys are filtering blood.

Your doctor may look at trends over time, not just a single result.

3. Urine ACR (Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio)

The urine ACR test checks for albumin, a type of protein, in the urine. Protein in the urine can be an early sign of kidney damage, even when blood tests still look normal.

Other Tests Your Doctor May Use

Depending on your health needs, your doctor may also recommend:

Understanding the Bigger Picture

No single test tells the full story. Doctors often look at several results together, along with your symptoms, blood pressure, medical history, and other conditions such as diabetes.

That is why regular screening and follow-up are so important.

Not sure what your kidney test results mean?

Our team can help guide you on the importance of kidney screening and follow-up care.

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This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always speak with a qualified healthcare provider about your test results.