Kidney Function Tests

Overview:

Kidney function tests are a group of tests used to evaluate how efficiently your kidneys are working. Kidneys play a major role in maintaining the health of an individual. The most important function of your kidneys is to filter waste materials from the body and excrete them in the form of urine. Various types of kidney function tests are:

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
• Creatinine-blood
• Creatinine-urine
• Creatinine clearance

When it’s done:

The kidney function test is recommended when a person suffers from any kidney problems or shows symptoms such as:

• A high blood pressure
• Blood in urine
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty to pass urine
• Painful urination
• Puffiness in the hands and feet

When to Avoid:

There is no specific condition when this test should be avoided.

How to prepare:

The test may require a 24-hour urine sample and/or a blood test. For the purpose of urine sample collection, the doctor would give you a special container in which you need to collect your urine directly over a 24-hour period. After collecting the sample, make sure that you cap, label and place the container in the refrigerator, informing all your family members of the same. For the purpose of blood test, no other special preparation is required.