Your kidneys work quietly every day to keep you healthy.
They remove waste and extra fluid from your body, help control your blood pressure, and keep the right balance of minerals in your blood.
Because your kidneys are so important, it’s a good idea to check how well they’re working—especially if you have any health conditions that can affect them.
Doctors use a variety of kidney function tests to see how well your kidneys are doing their job. Each test gives different clues about your kidney health.
One of the most common tests is called the Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test. It checks how much nitrogen is in your blood from a waste product called urea. Urea forms when your body breaks down protein from foods like meat and vegetables.
If your kidneys aren’t working well, urea stays in your blood and your BUN level goes up. A normal BUN level is usually between 7 and 20 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), but it can vary based on your age and which lab does the test.
Another key test is the Serum Creatinine Test. Creatinine is a waste product made by your muscles. Your kidneys filter creatinine out of your blood and remove it through your urine.
If your kidneys are not filtering well, the creatinine level in your blood rises. Normal levels are around 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women, but they can vary based on body size and other factors.
One of the best ways to check overall kidney function is with a test called the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). This test shows how much blood your kidneys filter each minute.
It uses your creatinine level, age, gender, and body size to make the estimate. A GFR above 60 is usually considered normal. A GFR below 60 may suggest kidney disease, and below 15 means the kidneys are failing.
Urine tests are also important for understanding kidney health. A basic urine test, called a urinalysis, can look for things like protein or blood in the urine. These can be signs of kidney damage.
Another test, called the Albumin to Creatinine Ratio (ACR), measures how much protein called albumin is in your urine. Too much albumin can be an early warning of kidney disease.
If your test results are outside the normal range, it doesn’t always mean something is seriously wrong. But it is a sign that your doctor may need to do more tests or keep a closer eye on your health. Regular testing is especially important if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.
Kidney function tests are helpful tools for keeping your kidneys—and your whole body—healthy. They can catch problems early, before they become serious. If you’re concerned about your kidney health, ask your doctor about these tests. Being informed and taking action early can help protect your kidneys and improve your long-term health.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about Common statin drug linked to kidney damage and how drinking coffee can affect your kidney health.
For more health information, please read studies about important cause of kidney disease and Cruciferous vegetables may reverse kidney damage in diabetics.
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