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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

Read Blog

Digestive System Disorders: Common Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips

The digestive system plays a vital role in overall health by breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. When this system does not function properly, it can lead to discomfort, poor nutrition and chronic illness. Digestive system disorders are increasingly common due to modern lifestyles, dietary habits and stress. Understanding their causes, symptoms and prevention strategies is essential for maintaining long-term gut health.

Public health research shows that a large proportion of adults experience digestive symptoms at some point in their lives, yet many delay seeking care until problems become severe.

What Are Digestive System Disorders?

Digestive system disorders are conditions that affect:

the oesophagus
stomach
intestines
liver
pancreas
gallbladder

They may be temporary or chronic and range from mild functional issues to serious inflammatory or structural diseases.

Common Digestive System Disorders

Acid Reflux and GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus.

Symptoms include:

heartburn
chest discomfort
sour taste in mouth
difficulty swallowing

Long-term reflux can damage the oesophagus if untreated.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional bowel disorder.

Symptoms include:

abdominal pain
bloating
diarrhoea or constipation
alternating bowel habits

Stress and diet often trigger symptoms.

Constipation

Constipation involves infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

Causes include:

low fibre intake
dehydration
sedentary lifestyle

Chronic constipation affects comfort and gut function.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea results from rapid bowel movements.

Common causes include:

infections
food intolerance
medication side effects

Persistent diarrhoea may lead to dehydration and nutrient loss.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Ulcers are sores in the stomach or intestinal lining.

Symptoms include:

burning stomach pain
nausea
bloating

They are often linked to infections or long-term medication use.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD includes conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms include:

chronic diarrhoea
abdominal pain
weight loss
fatigue

IBD requires long-term medical management.

Common Symptoms of Digestive Disorders

Digestive system disorders often present with:

abdominal pain or cramps
bloating and gas
nausea or vomiting
constipation or diarrhoea
heartburn
unexplained weight changes

Symptoms may fluctuate and worsen with stress or poor diet.

Causes of Digestive System Disorders

Poor Dietary Habits

Diets high in:

processed foods
refined sugars
unhealthy fats

strain the digestive system and alter gut microbiota.

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress affects gut-brain communication, worsening digestive symptoms.

Infections

Bacterial, viral or parasitic infections disrupt gut function.

Food Intolerances

Lactose, gluten or other intolerances cause digestive distress.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of physical activity slows digestion and bowel movement.

Medication Use

Certain medications irritate the stomach lining or alter gut flora.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

People at increased risk include:

individuals with poor diet
those under chronic stress
older adults
people with family history of gut disease
individuals with sedentary lifestyles

Early lifestyle correction reduces risk significantly.

Diagnosis of Digestive Disorders

Evaluation may include:

medical history
physical examination
blood tests
stool tests
imaging or endoscopy

Diagnosis depends on symptom severity and duration.

Treatment Approaches

Medical Management

Treatment varies by condition and may include:

acid suppressants
anti-inflammatory medications
probiotics
antibiotics when needed

Dietary Modifications

increase fibre intake
limit trigger foods
eat regular meals
avoid excessive alcohol

Diet plays a central role in gut health.

Lifestyle Changes

manage stress
exercise regularly
stay hydrated
maintain sleep routine

Healthy habits support digestive function.

Prevention Tips for Digestive Health

Eat a Balanced Diet

Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

Stay Hydrated

Water supports digestion and prevents constipation.

Manage Stress

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques improve gut-brain balance.

Be Physically Active

Movement stimulates bowel activity and gut motility.

Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol

These irritate the digestive tract and worsen symptoms.

Seek Early Medical Advice

Early care prevents complications and chronic disease.

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Digestive Problems

Untreated digestive disorders may lead to:

nutrient deficiencies
chronic inflammation
poor quality of life
increased disease complications

Early intervention is more effective and less invasive.

When to Consult a Doctor

Medical advice is recommended if:

symptoms persist beyond weeks
pain is severe
blood appears in stool
unexplained weight loss occurs

Prompt evaluation ensures safe management.

Conclusion

Digestive system disorders are common but often underestimated health issues. Symptoms such as bloating, pain, constipation and heartburn may seem minor initially but can signal deeper problems if ignored. Understanding causes, recognising early symptoms and adopting preventive habits help protect digestive health. With timely care, balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices, most digestive disorders can be effectively managed, allowing the digestive system to function smoothly and support overall wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Digestive Health and Nutrition Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Digestive Disorders and Gut Health Guideline
National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) – Dietary Fibre and Gut Health Researc
Lancet – Gastrointestinal Disease and Prevention Studies
Indian Journal of Gastroenterology – Digestive Disorder Research
Statista – Digestive Health Trends and Lifestyle Factors

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