Blood tests

There are also several blood tests that can aid in evaluating kidney
function. These include:

Blood urea nitrogen test (BUN). Urea is a by-product of protein metabolism.

This waste product is formed in the liver, then filtered from the blood and
excreted in the urine by the kidneys. The BUN test measures the amount of
nitrogen contained in the urea. High BUN levels can indicate kidney dysfunction,
but because blood urea nitrogen is also affected by protein intake and liver
function, the test is usually done in conjunction with a blood creatinine, a more
specific indicator of kidney function.

Creatinine test. This test measures blood levels of creatinine, a by-product of

muscle energy metabolism that, like urea, is filtered from the blood by the
kidneys and excreted into the urine. Production of creatinine depends on an
individual's muscle mass, which usually fluctuates very little. With normal kidney
function, then, the amount of creatinine in the blood remains relatively constant
and normal. For this reason, and because creatinine is affected very little by liver
function, an elevated blood creatinine is a more sensitive indication of impaired
kidney function than the BUN.
Other blood tests. Measurement of the blood levels of other elements
regulated in part by the kidneys can also be useful in evaluating kidney function.
These include sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium,
phosphorus, protein, uric acid, and glucose

Preparation
Certain dietary and/or medication restrictions may be imposed for some of the
blood tests. The patient may also be instructed to avoid exercise for a period of
time before a test.

Aftercare
If medication was discontinued prior to blood kidney function test, it may be
resumed once the test is completed.

Risks
Risks of these tests are minimal, but may include slight bleeding from a blood
drawing site hematoma ( accumulation of blood under a puncture site) or fainting
or feeling light headed after venipuncture. in addition suspension of medication or
dietary changes imposed in preparation for some blood tests may trigger side
effects in some individuals.

Normal results
Normal values for many tests are determined by the patient's age and sex.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN). 8-20 mg/dl
Creatinine. 0.8-1.2 mg/dl for males, and 0.6-0.9 mg/dl for females

Abnormal results
Low clearance values for creatinine indicate diminished ability of the kidneys to
filter these waste products from the blood and excrete them in the urine. As
clearance levels decrease, blood levels of creatinine increase. Since it can be
affected by other factors, an elevated BUN, by itself, is suggestive, but not
diagnostic, for kidney dysfunction. An abnormally elevated blood creatinine, a
more specific and sensitive indicator of kidney disease than the BUN, is
diagnostic of impaired kidney function.

Key terms
Blood urea nitrogen(BUN)- The nitrogen portion of urea in the
bloodstream. urea is a waste product of protein metabolism in the body.
Creatinine- the metabolized by product of cretainine, an organic acid that
assists the body in producing muscle contractions. cretainine is found in
the bloodstream and in muscle tissue. It is removed from the blood by the
kidneys and excreted in the urine,