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Published on: Jan 23, 2022
3 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Diagnostics: Kidney Function Test

Diagnostics: Kidney function Test

Blood and urine tests are done to check kidney function.

Blood tests that can help assess kidney function include creatinine level, blood urea nitrogen level, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Urine tests that can help assess kidney function include urine protein test, urine specific gravity test, and urine creatinine test.

What tests are done to check kidney function?

The most common tests to check kidney function are a blood test called creatinine and a urine test called albumin.

Creatinine is a waste product that is released into the blood when the muscle is damaged. So if the kidneys are not working properly, creatinine levels will go up. Albumin is a protein that is found in the urine. If the kidneys are not working properly, more albumin will leak out of the kidneys and into the urine.

Other tests that may be done to check kidney function include:

-A blood test to measure creatinine clearance. This measures how well the kidneys are filtering creatinine from the blood.

-A urine test to measure protein levels. High protein levels

When a doctor checks kidney function, they will order a blood test to check creatinine levels and blood urea nitrogen levels. These tests give an indication of how well the kidneys are working. If the creatinine or BUN levels are high, it means that the kidneys are not working properly. The doctor may also order a urine test to look for albumin in the urine. Albumin is a protein that is normally filtered out by the kidneys. If there is albumin in the urine, it means that the kidneys are not working properly.

What is the most accurate test for kidney function?

The most accurate test for kidney function is a creatinine blood test. It measures the level of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product that is released when muscle tissue is damaged. So the higher your creatinine level, the more damage your kidneys have sustained.

Other tests that can be used to measure kidney function include a BUN (blood urea nitrogen) test and urine analysis. However, both tests are less accurate than the creatinine blood test.

What is a normal kidney function level?

Normal kidney function is when the kidneys filter wastes and excess fluid from the blood to make urine. The normal range for creatinine, a waste product that is filtered out by the kidneys, is 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women and 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men. Urine output should be about 600 to 800 mL per day. If you have symptoms such as foamy urine, swelling in your legs, shortness of breath, or chest pain, see your doctor right away because they may be signs of a problem with your kidneys.

Normal kidney function is defined as a creatinine level below 1.5 mg/dL in men and below 1.4 mg/dL in women. Creatinine is a waste product that is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are functioning properly, they filter creatinine and other waste products from the blood and excrete them in urine. A creatinine level that is higher than normal indicates that the kidneys are not filtering blood as efficiently as they should be. This can be a sign of many different diseases or conditions, including kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, and diabetes.

What are the first signs of kidney disease?

The first signs of kidney disease are usually subtle and can be easily missed. Here are five common early signs of kidney disease:

1) Changes in urine output, such as a decrease in the amount of urine produced or an increase in the amount of time needed to produce a full bladder

2) Increased thirst and urination, caused by the body's efforts to get rid of excess fluid by increasing urine production

3) Foamy or bubbly urine, a sign that protein is spilling over into the urine from damaged kidneys

4) Swelling in feet, ankles, and legs, caused by buildup of fluid called edema

5) Feeling tired and sluggish all the time, possibly due to anemia

Can a blood test detect kidney problems?

Yes. A blood test can detect kidney problems by looking for biomarkers in the blood that indicate a problem with the kidneys.

Some common biomarkers that may be detected in a blood test include creatinine, urea nitrogen, and albumin. If any of these biomarkers are elevated, it may indicate that there is a problem with the kidneys.

Kidney problems can be detected through blood tests, although the specific tests used will vary depending on the nature of the kidney problem.

Some common blood tests used to detect kidney problems include:

-A creatinine level, which measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood

-A BUN level, which measures how much urea (a breakdown product of protein) is in your blood

-An albumin level, which measures how much albumin (a type of protein) is in your urine

-A creatinine clearance test, which measures how much creatinine is cleared from your blood per minute

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Marburg Virus Disease : Symptoms & Treatment

Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) is a rare but highly fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus, a member of the Filoviridae family, which also includes the Ebola virus. Known for causing severe hemorrhagic fever, the disease poses a significant threat to global health. This blog explores Marburg virus symptoms, treatment options, and strategies for prevention.

Understanding Marburg Virus Disease

MVD is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with fruit bats, the natural hosts of the virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs via direct contact with bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or materials like bedding and clothing.

Marburg Virus Symptoms

The symptoms of Marburg virus disease often appear suddenly after an incubation period of 2 to 21 days. Early signs mimic common illnesses, making early diagnosis challenging. Here are the key symptoms:

Fever: High fever is often the first sign of infection.
Severe Headache: Intense headaches are a hallmark symptom.
Muscle Pain: Patients frequently report muscle aches.
Vomiting and Diarrhea: These gastrointestinal symptoms typically occur within a week.
Hemorrhagic Manifestations: In severe cases, internal and external bleeding may develop.

Prompt recognition of these symptoms is vital for early intervention and containment of the disease.

Marburg Virus Incubation Period

The incubation period, or the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms, varies from 2 to 21 days. This wide range depends on factors such as the mode of transmission and the patient’s immune system. During this period, the virus multiplies silently in the host, preparing for its symptomatic phase.

Marburg Virus Transmission

Marburg virus transmission occurs through the following pathways:

Animal-to-Human Transmission: Direct contact with fruit bats or their excretions is the primary source.
Human-to-Human Transmission: Direct exposure to infected bodily fluids like blood, saliva, or urine can spread the virus.
Fomites: Contaminated surfaces and materials, such as syringes or clothing, can also facilitate transmission.

Healthcare workers are particularly at risk during outbreaks due to their close contact with patients. Strict adherence to infection control measures is crucial to prevent further spread.

Marburg Virus Prevention

Preventing MVD involves a combination of individual and public health strategies. Key preventive measures include:

Avoid Contact with Bats: Avoid areas known for fruit bat populations and refrain from handling bats or their excretions.
Practice Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water can reduce the risk of infection.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Healthcare workers must use PPE to minimize exposure to infected individuals.
Isolation: Prompt isolation of suspected cases is essential to break the chain of transmission.

Public health campaigns and community awareness programs also play a vital role in reducing the spread of the virus.

Marburg Virus Vaccine

Currently, there is no approved vaccine for MVD. However, several candidates are under development, leveraging advancements made in Ebola vaccine research. Clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate their efficacy and safety. A future vaccine could be a game-changer in managing and preventing Marburg virus outbreaks.

Marburg Virus Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment for MVD. Management focuses on supportive care to alleviate symptoms and improve survival rates. Key aspects of treatment include:

Rehydration: Intravenous fluids and electrolyte replacement combat dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhoea.
Oxygen Therapy: Maintaining oxygen levels is crucial for severe cases.
Pain Management: Analgesics help relieve severe pain.
Blood Transfusions: In cases of hemorrhagic symptoms, transfusions may be necessary.
Experimental Therapies: Antiviral drugs and monoclonal antibodies are being studied but are not yet widely available.

Marburg Virus Outbreaks and Global Response

MVD outbreaks have occurred sporadically since its discovery in 1967. Recent outbreaks emphasize the need for swift action and global coordination. Efforts by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) focus on surveillance, rapid response, and research to curb the disease.

Living with the Threat of Marburg Virus

While Marburg virus disease is rare, its high fatality rate demands vigilance. By understanding Marburg virus symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies, individuals and healthcare systems can prepare for potential outbreaks. Research into vaccines and treatments offers hope for a future where this deadly disease can be effectively managed.

For more expert insights on infectious diseases, consult the specialists at Second Medic. Together, we can prioritize health and safety in the face of emerging threats.