Understanding the Importance of the Renal Function Panel for Kidney Health and Balance of the BodyRole of the Renal Function panel

 

Understanding the Importance of the Renal Function Panel for Kidney Health and Balance of the Bodycolor of the Renal Function panel

Your doctor will order the complete renal function panel or some of the tests depending on your health. Each of the components tested has an important function in regulating the balance of the body which we will review here:

Glucose - Your blood sugar (glucose) is regulated by the hormones insulin and glucagon which cause it to fall and rise respectively, depending upon the levels. Blood sugar levels vary according to the time of day, when you ate your last meal, the amount of stress you have in the form of infection, illness, or surgery, and whether you are taking any medications.

A blood glucose test is essential as a routine part of the renal function panel, in case you have signs or symptoms of diabetes, to monitor if you already have diabetes and other conditions, and to check gestational diabetes if you are pregnant.

Albumin - Albumin is a protein synthesized in the liver and is essential for fluid balance and transporting enzymes, hormones, or drugs. The ratio of albumin and another protein, globulin is highly specific to particular conditions.

Your doctor will order testing for albumin when your internal balance is disturbed in case of liver disease, chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, kidney disease, cancer, heart attack, stress, burns, surgery, trauma, or an over-active thyroid gland.

Phosphorus - Phosphorus is a mineral that plays a role in the energy processes of all the cells of the body and also in bone formation.

The renal function panel measures your blood phosphorus levels and detects whether it's low or high than the normal range. Low phosphorus is found when you consume excess antacids, in high calcium or insulin levels, if you have over-active parathyroid glands, abuse alcohol, and have a deficiency of vitamin D. High phosphorus levels are seen if you have kidney failure, low levels of calcium, under-active parathyroid glands, high intake of foods containing phosphorus, liver, and bone disease.

Calcium - Calcium is a mineral that is very important in bone health and normal muscle function. Abnormal blood levels of calcium interfere with the normal balance of your body.

The renal function panel assists to monitor calcium levels if you have over-active or under-active parathyroid glands, kidney failure, kidney transplant, vitamin D toxicity or deficiency, some cancers, during and after large numbers of blood transfusions, and certain medications.

Creatinine - Creatinine is a waste product produced during normal muscle activity which is excreted entirely by the kidneys and hence blood levels indicate kidney function.

Your creatinine levels are required to be checked in case there is a possibility for out-of-range values. For instance, creatinine values are high in case you have kidney conditions such as infection or kidney failure, high blood pressure, medication overdose, dehydration, and muscle problems. Likewise, creatinine values are lower if you have malnutrition and decreased muscle mass.

BUN - The metabolism of proteins produces urea, which is then removed by the kidneys as a component of urine. BUN or Blood Urea Nitrogen measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. The balance of BUN levels will be altered if you have any disease affecting the kidneys which will cause an increase in BUN levels in the blood. Liver disease, bleeding within the stomach or intestines, a very high protein diet and certain medications can also cause BUN levels to increase.