Renal Function Tests

The kidneys play a vital role in the excretion of waste products and toxins such as urea, creatinine and uric acid, regulation of extracellular fluid volume, serum osmolality and electrolyte concentrations, as well as the production of hormones like erythropoietin, vitamin D and renin. Assessment of renal function is important in the management of patients with kidney disease or pathologies affecting renal function. Tests of renal function have utility in identifying the presence of renal disease, monitoring the response of kidneys to treatment, and determining the progression of renal disease.

1- Serum Urea

Urea is the most important route to get rid of ammonia formed as a by-product of protein metabolism. Urea mainly produced in the liver and excreted by the kidneys.

2- Serum Creatinine

Creatinine is a compound if formed by the metabolism of creatine found in skeletal muscle. Creatinine is almost completely filtered by the glomeruli and not reabsorbed back into the blood. Its level in the serum gives a good indication about the kidney function