_This panel is a set of tests that provides an assessment of kidney function to determine risk
of kidney disease and general state of nutrition. Panels may be performed for routine health screenings or if a disease or toxicity is suspected. Panels may be used to determine if a medical condition is improving or worsening. Panels may also be used to measure the success or failure of a medication or treatment plan. Laboratory tests included in a panel may require one or more samples of different types. For example, both blood and urine samples may be needed.
The following items are generally measured during a kidney panel analysis:
Creatinine:A serum creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in the blood and shows how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine, which is formed when your body metabolizes food. Creatinine is taken out of your body by your kidneys and then passed out of your body in urine. Creatinine is produced in your body at a consistent rate, it is not affected by your diet or normal physical activities. If your kidneys are damaged, the level of creatinine in your blood increases. Normal Results: .8 to 1.4 mg/dl
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen):BUN test is used to check kidney function. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. Urea is a waste product made when protein is broken down in your body. Urea is made in the liver and passed out of your body in the urine. Like creatinine, your BUN results can help your doctor determine how well your kidneys are working. For people with liver disease, the BUN level may be low even if the kidneys are normal. Kidney disease or blockage of the flow of urine from your kidney causes both BUN and creatinine levels to rise. Normal Results: 7 to 20 mg/dl
BUN:Creatinine Ratio:A BUN-to-creatinine ratio can help your doctor check for problems, such as dehydration, that may cause abnormal BUN and creatinine levels. High BUN-to-creatinine ratios occur with sudden (acute) kidney failure, which may be caused by shock or severe dehydration. A low BUN-to-creatinine ratio may be associated with a diet low in protein, a severe muscle injury called rhabdomyolysis, pregnancy, cirrhosis or syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Normal Results: 10:1 to 20:1
Albumin: The albumin test measures the amount of albumin in serum, the clear liquid portion of blood and determines if the liver is making enough albumin. This test helps in determining if a patient has liver disease or kidney disease, or if not enough protein is being absorbed by the body. Albumin is one of the two major proteins in the blood, the other is Globulin. Albumin also helps carry some medicines and other substances through the blood and is important for tissue growth and healing. Because albumin is made by the liver, decreased serum albumin may result from liver disease. It can also result from kidney disease which allows albumin to escape into the urine. Decreased albumin may also be explained by malnutrition or a low protein diet. Normal Results: 3.4 to 5.4 g/dl
Calcium: This test measures the amount of Calcium in your blood, not the calcium in your bones. The body needs it to build and fix bones and teeth, help nerves work, make muscles contraction, help blood clot, and help the heart to work. The Calcium test screens for problems with the parathyroid glands or kidneys, certain types of cancers and bone problems, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and kidney stones. Normal Results: 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dl
Carbon Dioxide:This test measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gaseous waste product made from metabolism. The blood carries carbon dioxide to your lungs, where it is exhaled. Changes in your CO2 level suggest you may be losing or retaining fluid, cause an imbalance in your body's electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids. Abnormal levels of carbon dioxide suggest your body is having trouble maintaining its acid-base balance and your electrolyte balance is upset. Normal Results: 20 to 29 mEq/L
Chloride: The serum chloride test measures the amount of chloride in the fluid portion of the blood. Chloride is a negatively charged molecule known as an electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes, such as potassium, salt (sodium), and carbon dioxide (CO2), to help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. Most of the chloride in your body comes from the salt (sodium chloride) you eat. Chloride levels can be used to help monitor high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney disease. High levels of chloride, known as hyperchloremia, typically indicate dehydration, metabolic acidosis and other conditions. Decreased levels of chloride, known as hypochloremia, can indicate kidney disorder, Addison's disease, congestive heart failure and other conditions. Normal Results: 96 to 106 mEq/L
Glucose:A glucose test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Glucose comes from carbohydrate foods. It may be used to diagnose or screen for diabetes and to monitor control in patients who have diabetes. Most dietary carbohydrates eventually end up as glucose in the blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. Blood glucose levels that remain high over time can damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels. Normal Results: up to 100 mg/dL
Phosphorus: Phosphorus is a mineral that makes up 1% of a person's total body weight. The body needs phosphorus to build and repair bones and teeth, help nerves function, and make muscles contract. The Kidneys help control the amount of phosphate in the blood. Extra phosphate is filtered by the kidneys and passes out of the body in the urine. It plays an important role in the body's utilization of carbohydrates and fats and in the synthesis of protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues. Normal Results: Standard range not available
Potassium: This test measures the amount of potassium in the blood. Potassium is both an electrolyte and a mineral. It helps keep the water (the amount of fluid inside and outside the body's cells) and electrolyte balance of the body. Potassium levels often change with sodium levels. When sodium levels go up, potassium levels go down, and when sodium levels go down, potassium levels go up. Abnormal potassium levels may cause symptoms such as muscle cramps or weakness, nausea, diarrhea, frequent urination, dehydration, low blood pressure, confusion, irritability, paralysis, and changes in heart rhythm. Normal Results: 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L
Sodium: A sodium test determines the level of sodium within the blood. Sodium is both an electrolyte and mineral. It helps maintain the water (the amount of fluid inside and outside the body's cells) and electrolyte balance of the body. Sodium is also important in how nerves and muscles work. A small percentage is lost through stool and sweat. Normal Results: 135 to 145 mEq/L