BUN

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product resulting from protein breakdown in the body, with healthy kidneys filtering it from the bloodstream into urine. Decreased BUN levels are uncommon and generally not concerning, occasionally linked to malnutrition or overhydration. Conversely, elevated BUN levels may indicate kidney inefficiency in removing urea from the blood, offering insight into kidney function.

Symptoms of kidney dysfunction include fatigue, concentration issues, insomnia, swelling, urine changes, back pain, high blood pressure, nausea, and appetite loss. During pregnancy, BUN levels often fluctuate and remain generally unalarming, while high-protein diets or gastrointestinal bleeding can also raise BUN levels due to increased protein breakdown.

Creatinine (CREAT)

Creatinine (CREAT) is another waste product, originating from the breakdown of creatine, a crucial molecule in muscle metabolism. Healthy kidneys efficiently eliminate creatinine from the bloodstream through urine, making blood creatinine levels a reliable indicator of kidney function. Reduced creatinine levels may signify diminished muscle mass due to aging, diseases like muscular dystrophy, or a very low-protein diet, while slight decreases during pregnancy are typically not concerning.

Conversely, elevated blood creatinine levels suggest kidney disease or conditions affecting kidney function, such as bacterial infections, reduced kidney blood flow due to dehydration, congestive heart failure, or diabetes, kidney stones, high-protein diets, or temporary increases due to muscle injury.

Albumin

Albumin, produced by the liver, is essential for fluid balance and transporting substances. In assessing kidney health, blood albumin levels are crucial. Low levels can signal kidney problems, often seen in conditions like chronic kidney disease, where kidney function affects albumin retention. High levels are rare and often linked to factors like dehydration. Albumin levels are a key component in kidney function tests, aiding in the evaluation of the kidneys’ ability to maintain protein levels and overall renal health.

eGFR

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is a crucial measure for assessing kidney function, gauging how efficiently the kidneys filter blood and remove waste. Calculated based on blood creatinine levels, it factors in age, gender, and race for accuracy. eGFR values are pivotal in diagnosing and staging chronic kidney disease (CKD), revealing the remaining kidney function. Typically, a healthy eGFR is above 60 mL/min/1.73m², though lower values in older adults may not always indicate disease. Lower eGFR levels signify declining kidney function, with values below 15 mL/min/1.73m² indicating kidney failure.

It’s essential to remember that eGFR is an estimate affected by factors like medications, diet, and dehydration, with some variation in measurements. For those with eGFR near or below 60 mL/min/1.73m² or rapid declines, consulting healthcare professionals is crucial.

Regular eGFR monitoring, especially for at-risk individuals, like those with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney problems, is vital for early detection and managing kidney health, allowing timely measures to preserve kidney function and prevent CKD-related complications.

General

Please read the following instructions in detail before starting with the sample collection.