Kidneys are small bean-shaped organs that are a part of the waste elimination and blood purification system of the body. Kidneys are present in human beings as a pair, and they have one of the most important roles in the body by eliminating waste material such as toxins from the body.
This is an important phase in the circulatory system as it helps in removing wastes, therefore, allowing the blood to gain fresh oxygen and nutrients that are to be taken to the rest of the body.
A kidney test is a method that is used by doctors and Nephrologists to identify potential kidney damage. Kidney tests are a window into understanding the efficiency of the kidney in filtering the blood and if there is any surge in any levels of enzymes or proteins in the body.
What are the functions of the Kidney?
Kidneys are the vital organs that help in the detoxification of the body by removing toxins and purifying blood. Only if the blood is purified fresh nutrients and oxygen can be added to it.
This is the role of the circulatory system, which is assisted by the kidneys. The kidney is also helpful in maintaining the blood pressure in the body as the hormones that are released from the kidney help in stabilizing blood pressure.
Kidneys are also helpful in producing red blood cells that are important to produce red blood cells which are important to transport fresh oxygen and vital nutrients to the various cells and organs of the body. The kidney is also helpful in producing vitamin D, which is important for the health and wellness of bones and muscles.
These are only a few of the vital roles of the kidneys in the body. When a patient’s kidney starts malfunctioning, the hormones released by the kidneys start to surge or dip based on the type of disorder. Waste is not filtered efficiently by the kidneys when the kidney cells are damaged.
This can result in an excess buildup of toxins, proteins and wastes in the body. This can be very problematic for the body as it reduces the circulation of oxygen and vital nutrients to each and every cell of the body causing organ failure and toxicity.
Kidney Function Tests
Kidney-related disorders can be identified using kidney function tests which is a set of blood and urine tests that help in ascertaining the level of various proteins, hormones and constituents of blood and urine samples. If a doctor suspects kidney-related problems in a patient, they may order a Kidney test to ascertain the same. Kidney test price ranges between Rs 300 and Rs 600 for blood serum and urine.
Sometimes urinalysis is combined with this testing to give a more detailed report on kidney functions. To prepare for the test, a person may have to refrain from certain medicines and foods. The blood test is taken by collecting samples in a vial, whereas the urine sample may be collected over a day. The test results are measured in the following parameters –
- GFR rate, which analyses the filtration rate of the kidneys
- Blood urea nitrogen which measures urea and nitrogen
- Serum creatinine which looks for the level of creatine in the urine and serum
These are the 3 types of tests which together make up the kidney function tests.
