Kidney Function Tests

Kidney function tests are a group of blood and urine tests used to evaluate the function of the kidneys. They are also referred to as renal function tests. The tests can help diagnose kidney disease or other conditions that affect the kidneys.

Some of the common kidney function tests include:

1. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test: Measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. Urea is a waste product produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
2. Creatinine test: Measures the amount of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a waste product produced by the muscles and excreted by the kidneys.
3. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test: Calculates how much blood passes through the tiny filters in the kidneys called glomeruli each minute.
4. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) test: Measures the amount of albumin in the urine in relation to the amount of creatinine. Albumin is a protein that can leak into the urine when the kidneys are damaged.
5. Urine protein test: Measures the amount of protein in the urine. High levels of protein in the urine can indicate kidney damage.
6. Urine creatinine test: Measures the amount of creatinine in the urine. This test is used to determine the amount of protein in the urine.