Renal profile incorporates diagnostic blood and urine tests conducted to evaluate the functionality of kidneys. Kidneys play the significant role of regulating the salts and water of our body. The doctor could order a renal profile if he suspects any chronic kidney disease or other forms of kidney diseases. Let’s see what Dr. Pratibha Karande has to say about renal profile.
What do kidneys do?
As we all understand, kidneys are the very important organs of our body. The main function of our kidneys includes the filtration of blood. There are multiple and millions of nephrons present in our kidneys. With the help of these nephrons, kidneys filter the blood – they basically filter the waste out of the blood. The waste is then thrown out of the body via urine.
What do the renal profile test results mean?
There are multiple results we could achieve through this particular test:
- Plasma urea: This is a very common result attained through the test. Urea is actually a waste material developed in our body through the metabolism of protein. Now, when the level of urea is high in the blood report, it gives a clear clue that the kidneys are not functioning properly
- Creatinine: This is again a waste material of our body generated through the metabolism of fats. When the creatinine concentration keeps on increasing in our blood, it gives a bad picture or indicates bad health of our kidneys. Creatinine level is considered to be the prime test for the diagnosis of renal health
- Electrolyte levels: It commonly includes sodium, potassium, chlorides, and bicarbonates which can be diagnosed while diagnosing your renal health. These electrolytes give a clear picture of the dehydration status of our body
Why perform a kidney profile?
- To diagnose the health of our kidneys
- To check whether the patient is suffering from any kind of renal disease, renal failure, or the dehydration status of our body
- To complete the routine or overall health checkup
