renal patient keeps getting bad blood work report

by Ms. Germaine Langworth DDS 8 min read

Explaining Your Kidney Test Results: A Tool for Clinical …

15 hours ago  · In renal failure patients, predialysis levels may be seen as high as 20 mg/dl. This is usually not considered an emergency situation, although normal range is 0.6 mg/dl to 1.3 mg/dl, but would indicate the need for dialysis to lower the value. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): BUN is … >> Go To The Portal


Why do I need to have my kidneys checked?

Why your kidneys are being checked You need to have your kidneys checked because you can't feel kidney disease. Kidney tests are very important for people who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. These conditions can hurt your kidneys.

What is the best routine blood test for kidney disease?

Creatinine – Creatinine is the best routine blood test for measuring how well kidneys are working. It is a waste product produced by muscles and put out through the kidneys. This means that ‘normal’ levels depend on how much muscle you have, and this can cause some problems in spotting kidney disease. Creatinine comes from muscle.

How do you know if your kidneys are healthy?

Healthy kidneys remove wastes and excess fluid from the blood. Blood and urine tests show how well the kidneys are doing their job and how quickly body wastes are being removed. Urine tests can also detect whether the kidneys are leaking abnormal amounts of protein, a sign of kidney damage.

Are kidney function tests reliable?

Kidney function tests are a reliable way of testing the kidneys, but it is important to remember that they can also change dramatically with illness or dehydration. Many individuals can have an acute problem with the kidneys that resolves after receiving fluids or other treatment. There are many things we can do to avoid harm to our kidneys.

What does it mean if your kidneys read abnormal in blood work?

A GFR below 60 is a sign that the kidneys are not working properly. Once the GFR decreases below 15, one is at high risk for needing treatment for kidney failure, such as dialysis or a kidney transplant. Urea nitrogen comes from the breakdown of protein in the foods you eat. A normal BUN level is between 7 and 20.

What labs are abnormal with chronic kidney disease?

The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels will be elevated in patients with CKD. Hyperkalemia or low bicarbonate levels may be present. Serum albumin levels may also be measured, as patients may have hypoalbuminemia as a result of urinary protein loss or malnutrition.

How can I improve my kidney blood test results?

Avoid processed foods and choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead. Follow a low-salt diet. Salt should be limited especially if you have high blood pressure, protein in your urine, or swelling, or difficulty breathing. Eating less than 2000 mg a day of sodium is recommended.

What is the most important blood test for kidney function?

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) - one of the most common blood tests to check for chronic kidney disease. It tells how well your kidneys are filtering.

What are the symptoms when creatinine is high?

Symptoms that go along with high creatinine and can develop rapidly may include: fluid retention, particularly in your lower body. passing low amounts of urine. feeling weak or fatigued.

What can cause your creatinine levels to be high?

If the creatinine level rises beyond the normal range in the blood, it indicates:Kidney failure, both acute or chronic.Kidney obstruction.Kidney infection.Urinary tract obstruction.Very high protein consumption.Intense exercise that has damaged the muscles.Heart disease.Diabetes.More items...•

Can drinking more water improve GFR?

Water ingestion can acutely affect GFR, although not necessarily in the direction one might expect. Using 12 young, healthy individuals as their own controls, Anastasio et al. found increased water intake actually decreases GFR.

How can I lower my creatinine level quickly?

Here are 8 ways to naturally lower your creatinine levels.Don't take supplements containing creatine. ... Reduce your protein intake. ... Eat more fiber. ... Talk with your healthcare provider about how much fluid you should drink. ... Lower your salt intake. ... Avoid overusing NSAIDs. ... Avoid smoking. ... Limit your alcohol intake.

Can creatinine levels change quickly?

Creatinine levels can change rapidly, even throughout the day, which is why healthcare providers monitor them for an extended period of time. One blood test that returns high creatinine in blood could be a fluke. However, several tests in a row that show elevated levels could indicate chronic kidney disease.

What are the symptoms of your kidneys not working properly?

If your kidneys aren't working properly, you may notice one or more of the following signs: Fatigue (extreme tiredness) An upset stomach or vomiting. Confusion or trouble concentrating.

How do I know if my kidneys are failing?

Signs and symptoms of acute kidney failure may include: Decreased urine output, although occasionally urine output remains normal. Fluid retention, causing swelling in your legs, ankles or feet. Shortness of breath.

At what creatinine level should dialysis start?

National Kidney Foundation guidelines recommend you start dialysis when your kidney function drops to 15% or less — or if you have severe symptoms caused by your kidney disease, such as: shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting.

What is the best blood test for kidney function?

Creatinine Creatinine is the best routine blood test for measuring how well kidneys are working. It is a waste product produced by muscles and put out through the kidneys. This means that ‘normal’ levels depend on how much muscle you have, and this can cause some problems in spotting kidney disease. Creatinine comes from muscle.

What is the normal phosphate level in renal failure?

More information about renal bone disease. Normal blood phosphate levels are 0.9 – 1.3 mmol/litre (2.5-4.3mg/dl). In renal failure the aim is to keep levels at or below 1.8 by controlling the amount of phosphate in diet and by using phosphate binding drugs. More information about control of phosphate by diet and drugs.

What is the normal creatinine level?

Normal blood creatinine is 60-120 micromol/litre (0.7-1.4mg/dl) – but see the cartoon above for a caution about this that applies particularly to small, disabled, or elderly people. In many people, ‘normal’ creatinine can sometimes conceal 50% loss of kidney function. Urea – Urea is a small molecule that is produced in the liver from protein ...

What is the name of the hormone that is measured from time to time in patients with kidney disease?

More information about control of phosphate by diet and drugs. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) – Parathyroid hormone is measured from time to time in patients with kidney diseases to prevent renal bone disease (renal osteodystrophy; read more information about renal bone disease ).

Why is potassium not accurate?

Sometimes high potassium levels may not be accurate, for instance because of delays in getting the sample to the lab. Treatments for dangerously high potassium may include giving sugar (glucose) and insulin, and some other measures. If it is very high and kidney function is poor, dialysis may be necessary.

What does Na mean in kidneys?

Tests of other things the kidney puts out. Sodium (Na) Sodium comes from salt, which is sodium chloride. Although there is often too much of it in your body when your kidneys don’t work properly, its level in the blood does not change much.

Why is calcium measured regularly in patients with kidney disease?

It is measured regularly in patients with kidney diseases because: Blood calcium may be low in renal failure, without treatment. Special types of vitamin D (calcitriol, alfacalcidol) are given to prevent renal bone disease and to raise blood calcium.

How to find out why a kidney transplant may not be doing well?

to find out why a kidney transplant may not be doing well. A kidney biopsy is performed by using a thin needle with a sharp cutting edge to slice small pieces of kidney tissue for examination under a micro scope. Urine Tests. Some urine tests require only a couple tablespoons of urine.

Why do we need a kidney biopsy?

A biopsy may be done occasionally for one of the following reasons: to identify a specific disease process and determine whether it will respond to treatment. to evaluate the amount of damage that has occurred in the kidney. to find out why a kidney transplant may not be doing well.

What is the GFR test?

This test is a measure of how well the kidneys are removing wastes and excess fluid from the blood. It is calculated from the serum creatinine level using age and gender with adjustment for those of African American descent. Normal GFR can vary according to age (as you get older it can decrease).

What does it mean when your creatinine is 1.2?

A creatinine level of greater than 1.2 for women and greater than 1.4 for men may be an early sign that the kidneys are not working properly. As kidney disease progresses, the level of creatinine in the blood rises. This test is a measure of how well the kidneys are removing wastes and excess fluid from the blood.

What is urine test?

Urine tests can also detect whether the kidneys are leaking abnormal amounts of protein, a sign of kidney damage. Here's a quick guide to the tests used to measure kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the normal wear and tear on muscles of the body. Creatinine levels in the blood can vary depending on age, ...

What is the purpose of urine tests?

Tests to Measure Kidney Function, Damage and Detect Abnormalities. Healthy kidneys remove wastes and excess fluid from the blood. Blood and urine tests show how well the kidneys are doing their job and how quickly body wastes are being removed. Urine tests can also detect whether the kidneys are leaking abnormal amounts of protein, ...

What is creatinine clearance?

Creatinine Clearance. Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the normal wear and tear on muscles of the body. Creatinine clearance test compares the creatinine in a 24-hour sample of urine to the creatinine level in your blood to show how much waste products the kidneys are filtering out each minute.

Unknown Reasons Of Low Blood Platelet Count

its called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.thrombo- means related to platelets, -cytopenia means lack of cells, purpura means a rash of purple spots on the skin caused by internal bleeding due to lack of platelets.Low platelets count by unknown reasons is the commonest in children.

Become Your Own Expert

Many kidney patients choose to take an active role in their care and treatment. You can too by logging on to the PatientView website, where you may be able to keep track of all your medications, test results, scans and medical letters. You may also be able to see your medical history and get information about a wide range of tests .

How To Calculate Your Gfr

Estimating GFR begins with a simple serum creatinine blood test. If youre using our GFR calculator, your eGFR is calculated using the results of your blood test, along with your age, ethnicity, and gender. When your eGFR is calculated by your doctor, weight and body size may also be factored into your eGFR.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate

Estimated glomerular filtration rate provides a guide to kidney function. Although the level of creatinine in the blood is a useful guide to kidney function, the eGFR is a more accurate measure. Blood creatinine can be used to estimate the eGFR using age, sex and race.

Questions For Your Doctor About Test Results

When your test results are ready, you can learn more about their significance by discussing them with your doctor. Some questions that you can ask include:

What Does The Test Measure

A renal panel includes multiple measurements. However, not all renal panel tests are exactly the same. The components can depend on the laboratory or the measurements requested by the doctor prescribing the test.

Why Creatinine Tests Are Done

Doctors use creatinine and creatinine clearance tests to check how well your kidneys work. This is called renal function. Testing the rate of creatinine clearance shows the kidneys’ ability to filter the blood. As renal function gets worse, creatinine clearance also goes down.

What does it mean when your blood has a high level of urea nitrogen?

Excess urea is removed from the blood by the kidneys, so high levels of BUN in the blood can indicate that kidney function is declining.

What to do if your test results are high or low?

If you have some results at the high or low end of normal, ask your doctor if you should repeat the test or investigate them further . But remember: “Each test has its own rules,” says Dr. Salamon. “Leave the interpretation up to your doctor.”.

What is the normal range of calcium in blood?

For example, if your routine blood work includes a test for calcium in the blood, your lab may list the normal range for calcium as 8.3 to 9.9 milligrams per deciliter ...

What to do if you have kidney disease?

People who develop chronic kidney disease may have some or all of the following tests and measurements. If you have kidney disease ask your doctor which tests you will have and how often they will be done. Speak to your doctor about your results. If your numbers are not in the normal range, ask how to improve them. ...

What happens if your creatinine is not in the normal range?

Serum Creatinine: Creatinine is a waste product in your blood that comes from muscle activity. It is normally removed from your blood by your kidneys, but when kidney function slows down, the creatinine level rises.

How to know if you are eating enough protein?

Ask your dietitian how to get the right amount of protein and calories from your diet. nPNA: Your nPNA (normalized protein nitrogen appearance) is a test that may tell if you are eating enough protein. This measurement comes from lab studies that include a urine collection and blood work. Your dietitian may ask for an accurate food record ...

What is the protein to creatinine ratio?

Protein-to-Creatinine Ratio: This estimates the amount of protein you excrete in your urine in a day and avoids the need to collect a 24-hour sample of your urine. Serum Albumin: Albumin is a type of body protein made from the protein you eat each day.

What does GFR mean in blood work?

Your doctor should use the results of your serum creatinine test to calculate your GFR. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): Your GFR tells how much kidney function you have. It may be estimated from your blood level of creatinine. If your GFR falls below 30 you will need to see a kidney disease specialist (called a nephrologist).

Why is albumin low?

A low level of albumin in your blood may be caused by not getting enough protein or calories from your diet. A low level of albumin may lead to health problems such as difficulty fighting off infections. Ask your dietitian how to get the right amount of protein and calories from your diet.

What does it mean when your GFR is below 30?

A GFR below 15 indicates that you need to start a treatment for kidney failure. Your kidney disease specialist will speak to you about treatments for kidney failure, such as dialysis or kidney transplant.

About Normal Ranges And Interpreting The Numbers

When you look at a printout of your lab results, youll find the normal ranges for each blood test next to your personal results. For example, if your routine blood work includes a test for calcium in the blood, your lab may list the normal range for calcium as 8.3 to 9.9 milligrams per deciliter .

Why Is It Important To Check Kidney Function

When your kidneys do not work as they should, waste can build up in your blood. This can make you sick. If you have long-term kidney disease, you may not have any symptoms until your kidney function is very low.

How Is A Renal Panel Different From A Comprehensive Or Basic Metabolic Panel

There is considerable overlap between the measurements on a renal panel, basic metabolic panel , and comprehensive metabolic panel .

What Causes Kidney Malfunction

A major culprit of kidney problems is an acidic diet . A brand-new study sheds light on the renal problems that can be caused by a high-acid, meat-rich diet.

Become Your Own Expert

Many kidney patients choose to take an active role in their care and treatment. You can too by logging on to the PatientView website, where you may be able to keep track of all your medications, test results, scans and medical letters. You may also be able to see your medical history and get information about a wide range of tests .

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate

Estimated glomerular filtration rate provides a guide to kidney function. Although the level of creatinine in the blood is a useful guide to kidney function, the eGFR is a more accurate measure. Blood creatinine can be used to estimate the eGFR using age, sex and race.

Why Do Some Blood Tests Require Fasting

Everything you eat and drink contains vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients that can cause the related levels in your blood to temporarily spike or drop.