Compare - Kidney Test (LGC)

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Basic Metabolic Panel, Basic Metabolic Panel BMP, BMP, Chem 7, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, SMA 7, SMAC7

Bun/Creatinine Ratio

A ratio between a person’s BUN and blood creatinine to help determine what is causing these concentrations to be higher than normal. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration. It may also be seen with increased protein, from gastrointestinal bleeding, or increased protein in the diet. The ratio may be decreased with liver disease (due to decrease in the formation of urea) and malnutrition.

Calcium

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is carbon dioxide. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.

Chloride

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is a measure of the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

Creatinine

The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys work.

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Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

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Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure.

Sodium

Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly it is vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function

Urea Nitrogen (Bun)

BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.
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The Compare - Kidney Test (LGC) test contains 1 test with 11 biomarkers.

Why pay $99 for Lets Get Checked's Kidney finger prick test kit when you can experience the convenience and affordablity of a Kidney lab test with Ulta Lab Tests - compare now and save!

Kidney Lab Test

The Kidney lab test, also known as a basic metabolic panel (BMP), is a group of blood tests that assess various markers related to kidney function and overall metabolic health. This panel typically includes markers such as urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, carbon dioxide, chloride, EGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), glucose, potassium, and sodium.

Also Known As: Basic Metabolic Panel

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: Fasting is preferred

When and Why the Kidney Lab Test May Be Ordered

Timing of the Test: The Kidney lab test is often ordered as part of routine health check-ups, in response to specific symptoms or medical conditions, or prior to surgical procedures. It can be performed at any time and may or may not require fasting, depending on the specific tests included.

Reasons for Ordering the Test:

  1. Monitoring Kidney Function: One of the primary reasons for ordering the Kidney lab test is to assess kidney function. Elevated levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen or changes in EGFR can indicate kidney problems, including acute or chronic kidney disease.

  2. Assessment of Electrolyte Balance: The test helps evaluate the balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium in the blood. Imbalances can lead to various health issues, including muscle weakness, heart arrhythmias, and bone disorders.

  3. Diagnosis and Management of Diabetes: Glucose levels are included in the panel to assess blood sugar control. Abnormal glucose levels can be indicative of diabetes or impaired glucose metabolism, requiring further evaluation and management.

  4. Evaluation of Acid-Base Balance: Carbon dioxide levels and chloride levels are assessed to evaluate acid-base balance in the body. This information is crucial for diagnosing and managing acid-base disorders.

What the Kidney Lab Test Checks For

The Kidney lab test includes various markers, each serving a specific purpose:

  1. Urea Nitrogen: Urea nitrogen is a waste product generated by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate impaired kidney function.

  2. Creatinine: Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles. Elevated levels may suggest kidney dysfunction, as the kidneys normally filter creatinine from the blood.

  3. Calcium: Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission. Abnormal calcium levels can affect these processes.

  4. Carbon Dioxide: Carbon dioxide levels help assess the body's acid-base balance. Deviations from the normal range can indicate acidosis or alkalosis.

  5. Chloride: Chloride is an electrolyte that plays a role in maintaining proper fluid balance and acid-base balance in the body.

  6. EGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): EGFR is a calculated value based on creatinine levels and provides an estimate of the glomerular filtration rate, a measure of kidney function.

  7. Glucose: Glucose levels in the blood are used to assess blood sugar control. Elevated levels may indicate diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.

  8. Potassium: Potassium is crucial for muscle and nerve function. Abnormal potassium levels can lead to muscle weakness, heart rhythm abnormalities, and other issues.

  9. Sodium: Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in the body. Abnormal sodium levels can lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.

How Health Care Providers Use the Results

Interpreting the results of the Kidney lab test is crucial for diagnosing and managing various health conditions:

  1. Assessment of Kidney Function: Creatinine levels, urea nitrogen levels, and EGFR provide valuable information about kidney function. Abnormal results may prompt further evaluation and management of kidney disease.

  2. Monitoring Electrolyte Balance: Sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium levels help assess electrolyte balance. Imbalances may require corrective measures and monitoring.

  3. Diagnosis and Management of Diabetes: Glucose levels are used to diagnose diabetes or assess blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes. Treatment plans may be adjusted based on the results.

  4. Evaluation of Acid-Base Balance: Carbon dioxide and chloride levels help diagnose and manage acid-base disorders, such as metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.

  5. Preoperative Assessment: The Kidney lab test may be ordered before surgery to assess overall health and identify any preexisting conditions that could impact surgery or anesthesia.

In summary, the Kidney lab test, including various metabolic markers, serves as a comprehensive assessment of kidney function, electrolyte balance, and metabolic health. It is used for diagnosing and managing kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, diabetes, and acid-base disorders, as well as for general health screening. Results guide healthcare providers in making diagnostic and treatment decisions to ensure optimal patient health.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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