What tests are included in kidney function tests?
Mar 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Kidney function tests typically include urinalysis, serum creatinine test, ultrasound imaging, dual-kidney ECT scan, and kidney biopsy. The kidneys are part of the urinary system and are located in the posterior abdomen, below the chest cavity. They help the body filter waste products and excrete them as urine. In addition to the aforementioned medical tests, kidney function evaluation may also involve a physical examination.
Renal function tests typically include urinalysis, serum creatinine testing, ultrasound imaging, bilateral renal ECT scans, and kidney biopsy. The kidneys are part of the urinary system and are located in the posterior abdomen, below the chest cavity. They help filter waste products from the body and excrete them as urine. Specific details are as follows:
1. Urinalysis
Urinalysis screens for excessive proteins, blood, or other substances in the urine. When kidney function is impaired, proteins and blood may leak through the glomeruli. This is often one of the earliest signs or characteristics of kidney damage.
2. Serum Creatinine Test
Creatinine is a normal metabolic byproduct of muscle activity. Blood creatinine levels serve as an important indicator of kidney function. In women, creatinine levels above 97.2 μmol/L, and in men above 106 μmol/L, may indicate early kidney damage. As kidney disease progresses, blood creatinine levels rise.
3. Ultrasound Imaging
This procedure uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys. It can detect abnormalities in kidney size or position, or identify obstructions such as kidney stones, renal cysts, or Wilms' tumor.
4. Bilateral Renal ECT Scan
When unilateral renal atrophy is suspected, a bilateral renal ECT scan—nuclear medicine imaging—can be performed to assess individual kidney function, specifically the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of each kidney separately.
5. Kidney Biopsy
In certain cases, doctors may perform a kidney biopsy to obtain more detailed pathological information about the kidneys. This involves analyzing a small sample of kidney tissue and is typically used in diagnosing specific kidney diseases.
Besides the above medical tests, kidney function evaluation may also involve physical examinations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other diagnostic methods. Patients are advised to visit a reputable hospital for in-person consultation and follow medical advice regarding appropriate diagnostic testing.
