2. Blood Tests
Various blood tests are necessary to establish appropriate diagnosis of
different kidney diseases.
- Creatinine and Urea
Blood levels of creatinine and urea reflects the function of the kidneys.
Creatinine and urea are two by- products which are normally removed
from the blood by the kidney. When the kidney function slows down,
the blood levels of creatinine and urea increase. Normal value of serum
creatinine is 0.9 to 1.4 mg/dl and normal value of blood urea nitrogen
(BUN) is 20 to 40 mg/dl. Higher values suggest damage to the kidneys.
Creatinine level is a more reliable guide of kidney function as compared
to BUN.
- Hemoglobin
Healthy kidneys help in the production of red blood cells which contain
hemoglobin. When hemoglobin is low, it is called anemia. Anemia is a
common and important sign of chronic kidney diseases. However anemia
can occur quite frequently in other illnesses. So anemia is not a specific
test for kidney diseases.
- Other blood tests
Different blood tests frequently performed in kidney patients include:
blood sugar, serum albumin, cholesterol, electrolytes (sodium, potassium
and chloride), calcium, phosphorous, bicarbonate, ASO titer,
complement levels etc.
Serum creatinine is a standard blood test used routinely
to screen for and monitor kidney disease.