Which laboratory test is commonly used to evaluate kidney function?

The evaluation of kidney function is primarily done through specific tests that measure the presence of certain waste products in the blood. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine tests are crucial in assessing how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.

BUN is a measure of the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, which is a waste product formed from protein metabolism. Creatinine, on the other hand, is generated from muscle metabolism and is typically produced at a relatively constant rate. These two tests provide significant insights into kidney health because they indicate how effectively the kidneys are removing waste. Elevated levels of BUN and creatinine can suggest impaired kidney function, allowing healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding patient management and care.

In contrast, a Complete Blood Count (CBC) primarily assesses overall health, including the status of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, but does not provide specific information about kidney function. Prothrombin Time (PT) measures the time it takes for blood to clot and is used to gauge coagulation status, which is unrelated to kidney performance. Liver Function Tests (LFT) assess the health of the liver, and while interconnected with renal function, they do not directly