Information on Examination of Kidney Functions You Need to Know

Examination of kidney function is an examination procedure performed to find out how well the kidneys work and to detect any interference in the organ. On examination of renal function, blood and urine of the patient will be taken for later observation in the laboratory.

Information on Examination of Kidney Functions You Need to Know

Kidney is a pair of organs located behind the abdominal cavity (retroperitoneal), and serves to remove residual substances and excess fluid from the blood. In addition to maintaining fluid balance, this organ also serves to maintain the balance of mineral content in the body, and helps the process of formation of vitamin D, red blood cells, and hormones that regulate blood pressure.

If a person has kidney damage, the kidneys can not perform their functions optimally, causing various disorders in the body. To detect the presence of kidney disease and determine whether the kidneys work properly, a person should undergo a kidney function check.

Types of Kidney Functional Examination

Examination of kidney function is routinely performed and there is also an additional nature. Types of routine kidney function tests are:

  • Urine test , to determine the presence of protein and blood in the urine that indicates decreased kidney function.
  • Ureum or blood urea nitrogen (BUN), is a test to determine the levels of blood urea nitrogen which is a waste substance from protein metabolism and should be removed through the kidneys.
  • K reatinin blood , is a test to determine blood creatinine levels. Creatinine is a residual result of muscle splitting to be removed through the kidneys. High levels of creatinine in the blood can be a sign of kidney disorders.
  • Glomerulo filtration rate ( GFR), is a test to see the kidneys' ability to filter out metabolic waste substances from the body.

While additional kidney function checks, among them are:

  • Test albumin blood content.
  • The albumin-creatinine ratio test.
  • Electrolyte test in blood and urine.
  • Creatinine clearance (CCT) and protein in urine 24 hours.
  • Kidney biopsy.
  • Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy.

Indication of Kidney Function Check

Examination of renal function is generally recommended in patients suspected of having acute renal failure as well as chronic renal failure. Symptoms that may indicate kidney damage are:

  • Pain during urination.
  • Having difficulty in early urination
  • Hematuria.
  • Increased frequency of urination or decreased urine production
  • Foamy Urine.
  • Swelling of the hands and feet due to fluid buildup (edema).
  • High blood pressure.
  • Arrhythmia.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Decreased awareness.

A person may also be required to undergo renal function tests if they have conditions such as:

  • Diabetes.
  • Heart disease.
  • Hypertension.
  • Kidney stones.
  • Lupus.
  • Infection.
  • There are family members with a history of kidney disease.

Kidney Function Check Warning

There are no specific warnings for patients who will undergo renal function tests, either through blood or urine samples. However, patients taking blood-thinning medications or having blood clotting disorders should notify the doctor of the condition.

Preparation for Kidney Functional Examination

Patients will be asked to discontinue the consumption of certain drugs in order that the results of renal function tests are not affected. Specific patients who will undergo urine examination for 24 hours, will be asked to avoid heavy physical activity on the day of collection of urine. This is because severe physical activity can affect the creatinine concentrations found in the urine.

Patients who will undergo renal function checkup will also be required to fill in the personal data and medical history for completeness of the examination. In addition to blood creatinine levels, self-data such as age, race, sex, height, and weight are important for calculating glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Sampling Procedure Kidney Function Examination

Examination of renal function is done by taking blood samples and urine samples. Blood samples were taken with special needles to be analyzed in the laboratory. First of all, the doctor will tie the patient's upper arms with a special strap, so that the veins of the vein are clearly visible. After that, the doctor will clean the skin on the vein area using alcohol. The doctor will then insert a special needle into the veins, and attach the blood sample tube to the needle. Blood will flow from the veins into the tube. If it is enough, the needle will be removed and the needle pin point on the skin will be covered with a special plaster.

As for the urine sample, taken when the patient urinates and is stored in a special container. At the time of urination, let some urine at the beginning of urination wasted without being accommodated. After that, collect enough urine into the sample container and close the meeting. When finished, urine can be taken directly to the laboratory for inspection or stored in the refrigerator first.

Patients may be required to collect urine samples for 24 hours. If required to take a urine sample for 24 hours, the patient should hold the urine every time urinating into the sample container. During the sampling process, the storage container should also be stored in the refrigerator before being taken to the laboratory for examination.

After Kidney Function Examination

Samples taken from the patient will then be taken to the laboratory for examination. On the next appointment schedule, when the results of the laboratory examination already exist, the doctor will read the results of the examination.

In urine tests, the results may indicate any abnormal or renal disease of abnormal substance in the urine, such as sugar (glucose), protein, and red blood cells. In healthy kidneys, the amount of these substances is very little or even none at all. However, the presence of these substances does not always indicate that a person suffering from kidney disease. The results of urine tests only signal the presence of unusual or abnormal conditions in a person's kidneys.

In patients with renal impairment, the concentration of urea in the blood also increases. However, high blood urea concentrations can also be found in people who are dehydrated, taking certain medications, or regularly eating high-protein foods. Therefore, before undergoing an urea examination, the patient should provide information on the health condition and the activities he undergoes in full.

The albumin test results show the albumin content in the blood. Albumin is a protein that should be reabsorbed by the kidneys, not entirely removed through the urine. If kidney absorption function decreases, the albumin content in blood will also decrease. Conversely, creatinine is a substance that should be excreted through the urine, so that if there is a decrease in kidney function, the level of creatinine in the blood will increase. The content of albumin and creatinine can be known quantitatively, and can be calculated the ratio to determine the condition of the kidney. A high ratio signifies the onset of leaking of albumin through the urine.

Of the various tests performed and taking into account the patient's medical history and patient data, the renal condition can be inferred by the GFR ( glomerulo filtration rate indicator). GFR in normal kidney is generally above the value of 60. GFR that is between 15-60 points indicates the presence of kidney disease or renal failure. While GFR below 15 indicates end-stage renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy.

After the results of renal function examination is known, the doctor will make a diagnosis of the disease being experienced by the patient. If necessary, the doctor may ask the patient to undergo additional tests to make the diagnosis more accurate. Patients suspected of having hypertension based on test results, will be given medicines according to the conditions suffered. Hypertensive patients can also be advised to change lifestyle and diet. If suspected of having diabetes, the patient may be referred to an endocrinologist for further treatment.

Kidney Function Examination Risk

Taking urine samples on renal function tests is generally safe and has no side effects. While on the blood taking, the risk of side effects is present, but rarely occurs. Among these are:

  • Bleeding.
  • Infection at the sampling site.
  • Rash.
  • Pain.

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