What You Should Know About Renal Function Tests

/ Uncategorized / By

By Yhordan Serpentini | February 1, 2022

Our kidneys are part of our urinary system, which helps our bodies filter out waste materials and move them toward our bladder as urine. Without our kidneys, not only would our urinary system not work properly, but we also wouldn’t be able to produce red blood cells or vitamin D, nor maintain our blood pressure, which is why it is so important that we keep them healthy. That is where Renal Function Tests come in. If you aren’t familiar with them, then here are the most important things you should know about renal function tests.

Renal Function Tests

What Is A Renal Function Test?

Renal Function Tests, also known as Kidney Function Tests, are tests that measure and evaluate the conditions of your kidneys, as well as how well they are working. There are two possible ways to conduct renal function tests: either through a blood test, or a 24-hour urine sample–in some cases, both options are required. Like most laboratory tests, renal function tests will finish measuring results within the same day of testing, or the days following. 

What Is Measured During A Renal Function Test?

There are multiple factors included during renal function tests, as there are several functions that need to be evaluated to ensure that the kidneys are working properly. Below is a list of the most common blood-related renal function tests:

  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
  • Creatinine Clearance
  • Serum Creatinine
  • Estimated GFR (eGFR)

Additionally, if authorized or ordered by your healthcare provider or primary physician, you will be asked for a 24-hour urine sample for additional testing. If your renal function tests are conducted through urine-related testing, below are likely the following to be included:

  • Urinalysis
  • Microalbuminuria
  • Albumin-To-Creatinine Ratio (ACR)

Why Are Renal Function Tests Conducted?

Renal function tests are conducted for a multitude of health-related reasons, but not all of them are bad, and likewise, not all are good. In most common cases, if you feel painful urination, see blood in your urine (excluding menstrual cycle), are having issues urinating or urinating too frequently, or are suspected of having a UTI, you may be asked to undergo a renal function test.

Moreover, some health-related conditions, like diabetes or hypertension, affect how your kidneys function, resulting in multiple periodic renal function tests being conducted in order to monitor your kidneys’ condition over the course of treatment.

How To Prepare For A Renal Function Test

The best way to prepare for renal function tests is to know what you’re getting into. Renal function tests, if blood-related, will require you to visit either your healthcare provider’s office or a medical laboratory, for a blood sample. You may be asked to fast anywhere from 6-12 hours prior to blood withdrawal for better results and more accurate data.

If you are preparing for urine-related renal function tests, you will be supplied with a urine sample container that will require about a day’s-worth of urine. By day two, you can deliver the urine sample to your preferred drop-off location if you were not instructed with a specific designation.

Lastly, you should also prepare for what is to happen after renal function tests, as there are some experiences that may be slightly uncomfortable for others. There are no side effects to having urine-related renal function tests; however, you may experience side effects for blood-related renal function tests, including some slight bruising–typically on or around the area where blood was withdrawn–dizziness, or fatigue. You may also experience temporary pain in the sight, which will usually go away within a few minutes to a few hours.

Need a fast and reliable kidney blood test? Book your Renal Function Test appointment and get your sample collected for testing; track your reports online, and get notified when your reports are done, typically in under 2 hours. Visit our Lab Tests page for more information on how you can book an appointment with us for a renal function test!

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to be medical advice

References:

Rapid Bio Blog:

Scroll to Top