Kidney Tests

To assess the health and function of the kidneys, the following tests are available at our centre:

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test

Purpose: Measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, a waste product formed in the liver and excreted by the kidneys.
Diagnosis: Helps assess kidney function and identify kidney impairment or failure.
Monitoring: Tracks kidney function over time, especially in individuals with known kidney conditions.
Management: Guides treatment decisions and dietary recommendations.

Serum Creatinine Test

Purpose: Measures the level of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, in the blood.
Diagnosis: Evaluates kidney function and detects potential kidney damage or dysfunction.
Monitoring: Monitors the progression of kidney disease and the effectiveness of treatments.
Assessment: Helps estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), an indicator of kidney function.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Test

Purpose: Estimates how well the kidneys are filtering blood by calculating the rate at which creatinine is cleared from the bloodstream.
Diagnosis: Provides a measure of overall kidney function and helps detect kidney disease.
Monitoring: Tracks kidney function over time and assesses the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Management: Guides treatment and management plans based on kidney function levels.

Urinalysis

Purpose: Analyses a urine sample for various substances, including proteins, blood cells, and waste products.
Diagnosis: Detects abnormalities such as proteinuria (excess protein), hematuria (blood in urine), or signs of infection.
Monitoring: Monitors kidney health and disease progression, especially in chronic conditions.
Assessment: Provides a comprehensive overview of kidney and urinary tract health.

Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR)

Purpose: Measures the amount of albumin (a protein) and creatinine in a urine sample to assess proteinuria.
Diagnosis: Detects early signs of kidney damage, particularly in individuals with diabetes or hypertension.
Monitoring: Evaluates the effectiveness of treatments and lifestyle changes aimed at reducing proteinuria.
Assessment: Provides information on the extent of kidney damage.

Abdomen Ultrasound

Purpose: Uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys and surrounding structures.
Diagnosis: Detects structural abnormalities, such as cysts, tumors, or kidney stones.
Monitoring: Assesses changes in kidney size or structure over time.
Guidance: Helps guide biopsies or other procedures.

CT Scan of the Abdomen and KUB region

Purpose: Uses computed tomography to obtain detailed cross-sectional images of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and surrounding structures.
Diagnosis: Identifies kidney stones, tumors, or other abnormalities.
Assessment: Provides detailed information on the size and location of kidneys, ureters and bladder related issues.
Guidance: Aids in planning surgical or interventional procedures.

Cystatin C Test

Purpose: Measures the level of cystatin C, a protein that can indicate kidney function.
Diagnosis: Provides an alternative to creatinine-based tests for assessing kidney function, particularly in individuals with muscle abnormalities.
Monitoring: Helps track kidney function and detect early signs of kidney dysfunction.