When properly functioning, kidneys help eliminate wastes and excess fluids from the blood and expel them from the body in the form of urine. Located on either side of the spine and posterior to the abdomen, they also control the quantities of various minerals and water in the body, apart from being indispensable for the production of red blood cells, blood pressure regulating hormones and Vitamin D. That said, there are many tests available to determine any signs of kidney failure or damage. Here are a few of them:
Serum Creatinine Test: Creatinine is a water product that results
from the normal wear and tear of muscles. It is expelled by the kidneys at a
constant rate. The normal levels for a healthy adult male ranges from 0.7 to
1.2 mg/dl and from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/dl for a female. A creatinine level of over
1.4 mg/dl is an early sign that the kidneys are not functioning optimally.
Urine Analysis: Kidney doctors also assess the level of
proteins and urine in the urine to determine the extent of kidney damage. Of
course, infection is just one of the reasons for proteins in the urine, another
major reason being physical workout. Therefore, the nephrologists may
also for a 24-hour sample or repeat this test after a few weeks to be sure of
the cause.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): This is a compound which forms in the
liver from the breakdown of proteins that we eat. Normal BUN levels range
between 7 and 20. Greater the BUN level, the lower the efficiency of kidney
function.
Biopsy: This is performed using a thin needle to collect tiny
samples of kidney tissue for the purpose of examining them under a microscope.
This is usually done to identify a specific disease, evaluate the amount of
damage or ascertain the reasons for an unsuccessful kidney transplant.
Micro albuminuria: This is a dipstick test used to detect the
presence of albumin in the urine. This is usually performed in cases where a
person is highly predisposed to develop kidney disease, or at a greater risk of
getting affected by diabetes or high blood pressure.
These are some of the basic tests
that are performed to assess the magnitude of kidney function. It is always a
good idea to get your kidneys checked as part of your regular health checks for
maximum effectiveness of kidney treatment, if found to be faulty.
If anyone is looking for a Good Kidney Hospital in Ludhiana then do visit Aastha Kidney & Super Speciality Hospital and book an appointment with our team to get the finest outcomes.
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