When your doctor asks you to undergo a kidney function test in London, they are trying to see if you have a disease or condition in your body that may need treatment. If you do, the results of the tests will be used to determine the treatment that is best suited for you. Some of the test results that are taken are serum creatinine and urea nitrogen (BUN).
Serum creatinine
Serum creatinine is a blood test used to evaluate kidney function. A high level can indicate that your kidneys are not functioning properly. This may indicate that you have a medical condition such as chronic kidney disease. It is important to discuss any medical conditions you have with your doctor at the time of your Private blood test.
The normal range for serum creatinine is 0.6 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). This level is affected by many factors such as gender, age, and body size.
Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the breakdown of muscle tissue. It is expelled in the urine. Normally, kidneys remove almost all of the creatinine that is produced. However, if your kidneys are not functioning properly, then they will not be able to remove the creatinine and it will remain in the urine.
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a blood test that measures the filtering ability of the kidney. This test can be used to detect early signs of kidney disease. If the test results indicate that your kidneys are working too slowly, you may be at risk for chronic kidney disease. It is important to know how to interpret eGFR tests and talk with your doctor about what you can do to protect your kidneys.
Your estimated glomerular filtration rate is calculated based on the results of a blood test for creatinine. Creatinine is a waste product produced by the body and is filtered out by the kidneys. The higher the eGFR, the better the kidneys are functioning.
There are a variety of factors that affect your eGFR. Some of these include sex, age, race, and pregnancy.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is an indicator of kidney health. A higher level can be a sign of kidney disease, a kidney failure, or dehydration.
The normal range for BUN in blood is 6 to 20 mg/dL. Generally, the lower the BUN, the better.
Urea is a waste product of protein breakdown in the body. It is excreted through urine. When a protein is broken down, the liver produces urea. The kidneys filter urea and other waste products.
BUN concentrations tend to increase with age. Abnormal BUN levels can be caused by many different factors, including infection, heart failure, or a high protein diet.
If you have high BUN levels, you may need to make dietary changes or take medication. These changes should be discussed with your doctor to see what the best treatment options are.
Potassium levels in blood
If you are concerned about potassium levels in your blood, your doctor may have you take a test. Potassium is an important electrolyte for the body. It plays a major role in nerve impulse conduction and muscle contraction. A high level of potassium can interfere with these processes and can cause health problems.
Although a blood test can tell you how much potassium is in your blood, there are several factors that can affect the result. You may need to repeat the test to get a more accurate result.
Some medications can also lower potassium levels. Your doctor will want to know what your potassium levels are and how they are affected by the medications you are taking. He or she will also want to see how your kidneys are functioning.
Treatments for dangerously high potassium
If your blood test results reveal that you have dangerously high potassium, you need to act fast. Hyperkalemia is a potentially life-threatening metabolic condition that can cause respiratory paralysis, cardiac arrest, and death.
Your doctor will use blood tests and other diagnostic methods to find the cause of your high potassium. They may also perform an electrocardiogram to check for arrhythmias that can be caused by hyperkalemia. He or she will determine the best treatment for you based on these results.
High potassium levels can be caused by kidney disease, diabetes, dehydration, and other conditions. Taking diuretics and insulin are often used to treat this condition. These medications help the kidneys to excrete excess potassium.
The goal of treatments for dangerously high potassium is to remove the excess potassium as quickly as possible. When this is not possible, you may have to undergo dialysis.
