Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that play a vital role in your overall health. They perform several critical functions, including:
• Filtering Blood: The kidneys filter about half a cup of blood every minute, removing waste products, excess fluids, and toxins. These waste products are then excreted from the body as urine.
• Maintaining Fluid Balance: They help regulate the body's fluid levels by adjusting how much water is reabsorbed into the bloodstream and how much is excreted as urine.
• Controlling Electrolyte Levels: Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, are essential for various bodily functions. The kidneys help maintain the correct balance of these electrolytes in the blood.
• Regulating Blood Pressure: The kidneys produce hormones that help control blood pressure, such as renin and angiotensin II.
• Producing Red Blood Cells: The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow.
• Activating Vitamin D: The kidneys play a role in activating vitamin D, which is essential for bone health.
You may need to undergo kidney function tests for several reasons:
• Regular Checkups: If you have a family history of kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend regular kidney function tests as part of your routine health screenings.
• Symptoms of Kidney Problems: If you experience symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, nausea, or changes in urination patterns, your doctor may order kidney function tests to investigate the cause.
• Medication Side Effects: Some medications can affect kidney function. Your doctor may monitor your kidney health if you are taking such medications
• Other Medical Conditions: If you have other health conditions, such as heart disease or liver disease, your doctor may monitor your kidney function to ensure it is not affected.
• Blood Tests: These tests measure levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and other substances that can indicate kidney problems.
• Urine Tests: These tests can help detect protein or blood in the urine, which can be signs of kidney damage.
• Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans can provide images of the kidneys to help diagnose kidney diseases or abnormalities.
If you have concerns about your kidney health, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional. They can assess your individual needs and recommend appropriate tests and treatments.
This test is known by two names:
• Kidney function test
• Renal function test
• Urine Routine
• Creatinine
• Uric Acid
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
• Proteins
• Electrolytes
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
Approximate cost around : Rs.1200.