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

Diagnostics: Kidney Function Test

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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
Telemedicine Platform Comparison India: Evaluating the Best Digital Healthcare Providers

Telemedicine Platform Comparison India: Evaluating the Best Digital Healthcare Providers

Telemedicine has transformed the healthcare landscape in India by making medical services more accessible, affordable, and patient-friendly. With growing smartphone usage, improved internet penetration, and digital health adoption under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), teleconsultation platforms have become a primary mode of healthcare for millions. But with multiple platforms available, choosing the right one requires a proper telemedicine platform comparison India.

This blog provides a detailed comparison of India’s leading telemedicine providers and evaluates what sets SecondMedic apart in terms of accessibility, specialist availability, user experience, and overall digital healthcare value.

Why Telemedicine Is Growing Rapidly in India

The demand for digital healthcare platforms is driven by:

  • Busy lifestyles limiting hospital visits
     

  • Rising chronic diseases needing follow-ups
     

  • Rural populations needing specialist access
     

  • Post-pandemic digital health acceptance
     

  • Cost efficiency
     

  • Faster access to care
     

According to Statista, the telemedicine market size in India is increasing significantly, driven by digital transformation and patient willingness to adopt virtual care.

Key Parameters for Comparing Telemedicine Platforms

When comparing telemedicine platforms, users should evaluate the following:

1. Doctor Availability

The range of specialists available-cardiology, dermatology, pediatrics, gynecology, orthopedics, etc.-is crucial.

2. Pricing and Consultation Fees

Costs vary significantly between platforms. Affordable, transparent pricing determines long-term usability.

3. User Interface (UI/UX)

The platform must be easy to navigate, especially for elderly patients.

4. Appointment Wait Time

Faster access to doctors enhances the value of telemedicine.

5. E-Prescriptions

Availability of legal, digital prescriptions is essential for seamless continuity of care.

6. Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Platforms offering unified records improve patient experience.

7. Service Range

A good telemedicine platform should provide:

  • Teleconsultations
     

  • Second opinions
     

  • Remote monitoring
     

  • Home diagnostics
     

  • Preventive health packages
     

SecondMedic is one of the few platforms offering this full ecosystem.

Comparison of Major Telemedicine Platforms in India

1. SecondMedic

Specialties: Full range including cardiology, dermatology, neurology
Strengths:

  • Instant teleconsultation
     

  • Online specialist access
     

  • Remote monitoring tools
     

  • Second opinion services
     

  • Preventive health packages
     

  • Strong chronic care management
     

  • Patient-first experience
     

  • Easy EHR access
    Best For: Those wanting comprehensive digital healthcare

     

 

2. Practo

Strengths:

  • Wide doctor network
     

  • Pharmacy integration
     

  • Lab test bookings
    Limitations:

     

  • Higher consultation fees
     

  • Variable doctor response times
     

 

3. Apollo 24/7

Strengths:

  • Strong specialist network
     

  • Integration with Apollo hospitals
    Limitations:

     

  • High cost
     

  • Limited remote monitoring features
     

 

4. Tata 1mg

Strengths:

  • Affordable consultations
     

  • Pharmacy + lab tests
    Limitations:

     

  • Limited specialist variety
     

  • Heavy focus on diagnostics and medicines rather than telemedicine
     

 

5. MFine

Strengths:

  • Good specialist availability
     

  • Partner-hospital model
    Limitations:

     

  • Service coverage varies
     

  • Less personalized care
     

 

This comparison shows that while multiple telemedicine platforms serve specific needs, SecondMedic provides a more integrated healthcare experience connecting consultations, preventive care, and chronic disease management.

What Makes SecondMedic Stand Out

1. Comprehensive Specialty Coverage

From general physicians to cardiologists, dermatologists, neurologists, endocrinologists, and pediatricians, SecondMedic covers major medical specialties.

2. Strong Chronic Disease Management

Continuous monitoring and scheduled check-ins help manage long-term conditions effectively.

3. Online Second Opinions

Patients needing specialist reassessment benefit from high-quality second opinions from top doctors.

4. Remote Monitoring Ecosystem

Compatible with digital ECGs, glucometers, BP monitors, and other wearable tools.

5. Affordable and Transparent Pricing

SecondMedic offers cost-effective consultations without hidden charges.

6. Easy-to-Use Interface

Designed for all age groups with minimal complexity.

7. Integration with Preventive Health Packages

Users can also book diagnostics, screenings, and wellness plans.

Importance of EHR in Telemedicine Platform Comparison India

Electronic Health Records improve:

  • Safety
     

  • Accuracy
     

  • Convenience
     

  • Treatment continuity
     

SecondMedic’s EHR system is aligned with ABDM guidelines, making health data secure and portable.

User Experience and Accessibility

A good telemedicine platform must offer:

  • Multilingual support
     

  • Low-bandwidth compatibility
     

  • Easy appointment scheduling
     

  • Quick report upload
     

SecondMedic excels in offering a smooth, user-friendly experience.

Future of Telemedicine Platforms in India

The next evolution includes:

  • AI-assisted triage
     

  • Wearable tech integration
     

  • Predictive health alerts
     

  • Virtual healthcare kiosks
     

  • Full ABDM interoperability
     

SecondMedic is aligning with these innovations to build the next-generation digital healthcare ecosystem.

Conclusion

Telemedicine platform comparison India reveals that while several platforms offer strong digital health services, SecondMedic stands out due to its integrated care model, specialist availability, chronic disease support, remote monitoring tools, and preventive healthcare programs. For patients seeking a complete, reliable, and patient-centric telemedicine experience, SecondMedic remains a top choice.

To explore telemedicine services, visit www.secondmedic.com

 

References

  • NITI Aayog - Telemedicine guidelines for India
     

  • Statista - Telemedicine adoption and market size
     

  • ABDM - Digital health mission framework
     

  • WHO - Teleconsultation standards
     

  • IMARC - Digital health ecosystem growth
     

  • SecondMedic platform insights

See all

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