Affiliates - KFT with Electrolytes (Kidney Function Test with Electrolytes)

The Blood Urea Nitrogen test measures the levels of urea nitrogen in the blood. Blood urea is a waste product that is formed in the liver when you eat food and the protein is metabolized into amino acids. This process leads to the production of ammonia that is further converted into urea. Both ammonia and urea are nitrogenous compounds. Your liver releases urea into the blood which is then carried out to the kidneys. In the kidneys, urea is filtered from the blood and flushed out of the body via urine. This is a continuous process, so a small amount of urea nitrogen always remains in the blood.

In the case of a kidney or liver disease, there is a change in the amount of urea present in the blood. If your liver produces urea in an increased amount or if there is any problem in kidney functioning, there might be difficulty in filtering out the waste products from the blood, which can result in increased urea levels in the blood.

The Serum Creatinine test measures the creatinine level, a byproduct produced by the wear and tear of muscles during energy production. Since kidneys help filter creatinine, this test helps determine how well your kidneys work. Usually, high levels of creatinine in the blood signal diminished kidney function. At the same time, low levels may indicate decreased muscle mass.

The Serum Electrolytes test determines the concentration of three primary electrolytes in your blood: sodium, potassium, and chloride. These are crucial minerals that are electrically charged and are crucial to numerous body processes. Sodium maintains blood pressure and fluid balance. Potassium aids in proper muscle and nerve function, as well as heartbeat. Chloride acts together with sodium to regulate the body's fluids and aid in digestion. This test allows physicians to test whether your body contains the appropriate level of these electrolytes to have normal function of your heart, muscles, nerves, and organs.

This further contains

• Potassium
• Chloride
• Sodium

The BUN/Creatinine Ratio test helps compare the levels of blood urea nitrogen to that of creatinine in your body. Urea is a waste product that is formed in the liver when you eat protein, which is then metabolized into amino acids. This process leads to the production of ammonia that is further converted into urea. Later, the urea is passed out of your body through the urine. On the other hand, creatinine is a byproduct produced by muscles during energy production. Therefore, the more muscle you have, the more creatinine your body produces. The kidneys remove both the urea and creatinine via urine, and this test determines how well your kidneys are functioning.

The Blood Urea test measures the level of urea in the blood. Urea is a byproduct of protein metabolism. Proteins you consume in your diet are digested and converted into amino acids, which are then utilized by the body. This metabolic process produces a toxic byproduct known as ammonia. Ammonia is then rapidly converted into urea by your liver. Urea is comparatively less toxic than ammonia and is transported to the kidneys via the blood. The kidneys then filter it out through the urine. This process continues and the body keeps producing and eliminating urea, maintaining its low and steady levels in the blood.

The Uric Acid test measures the amount of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down purines. Purines are the natural substances found in your body’s cells (DNA) and in certain foods like red meat, or seafood. Under normal conditions, uric acid dissolves in the blood, passes through the kidneys, and is excreted in the urine. When this process doesn’t work properly, either due to increased production or reduced elimination, the uric acid can build up in the blood. This may indicate underlying health issues such as kidney dysfunction, gout, or presence of kidney stones. In some cases, the exact reason for high uric acid levels is unclear. On the other hand, low uric acid levels are rarely a cause for concern. This test helps doctors understand if uric acid levels are within a healthy range and whether further evaluation or treatment is needed.