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What tests are included in liver and kidney function examinations?

Dec 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, "肝功" and "肾功" refer to liver function and kidney function, respectively. Liver function tests primarily include examination of transaminases, bilirubin metabolism, protein levels, and other enzymes; kidney function tests include blood creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, routine urine analysis, and glomerular filtration rate. Before undergoing liver and kidney function tests, it is generally necessary to fast for 8–12 hours to ensure the accuracy of the results.

Generally, liver function and kidney function refer to the functions of the liver and kidneys, respectively. Liver function tests mainly include transaminases, bilirubin metabolism, protein tests, and other enzymes; kidney function tests include serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, routine urine tests, glomerular filtration rate, and others. Detailed explanations are as follows:

I. Liver Function Tests

1. Transaminases

This includes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). These enzyme indicators reflect whether liver cells have been damaged. When liver cells are damaged, these enzymes are released into the bloodstream, causing elevated transaminase levels in the blood.

2. Bilirubin Metabolism

This includes total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin. Bilirubin is a metabolic product of red blood cell breakdown and is processed and excreted by the liver. When liver function is impaired, bilirubin metabolism becomes abnormal, leading to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood.

3. Protein Tests

This includes albumin, globulin, and total protein. Albumin and globulin are important proteins synthesized by the liver; their levels and ratio reflect the liver's synthetic function and immune status.

4. Other Enzymes

Indicators such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) can also reflect certain specific liver functions or damage conditions.

II. Kidney Function Tests

1. Serum Creatinine

Serum creatinine is an important indicator for evaluating glomerular filtration function. When glomerular filtration function is impaired, serum creatinine levels rise.

2. Blood Urea Nitrogen

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is an indicator for evaluating kidney excretion function. When kidney excretion function declines, BUN concentration increases.

3. Uric Acid

Uric acid is a purine metabolite excreted through the kidneys. When kidney function declines, uric acid excretion decreases, leading to elevated uric acid levels.

4. Routine Urine Test

A routine urine test assesses renal tubular function and the physical and chemical properties of urine. It includes urine color, clarity, specific gravity, pH, protein, red blood cells, white blood cells, and other indicators. Abnormal results may suggest renal tubular dysfunction, urinary tract infection, or other kidney diseases.

5. Glomerular Filtration Rate

This evaluates kidney filtration function by calculating the clearance rate of certain substances in the blood. A decreased glomerular filtration rate may indicate impaired kidney function.

Prior to undergoing liver and kidney function tests, it is generally necessary to fast for 8-12 hours to ensure accurate test results. Additionally, strenuous exercise should be avoided the day before testing to prevent interference with the results.

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