Renal Function Tests
(Procedures and Tests)
This article will help you learn about renal function tests and how to prepare for them.
What are Renal Function Tests?
Renal function tests are either urine or blood tests aimed at evaluating how well the kidneys are functioning.
- When are Renal Function Tests performed?
- Your doctor may order these tests in the following situations:
- Presence of kidney disease, to monitor and manage treatment.
- High blood pressure or heart disease.
- Diabetes.
- Taking medications that may affect the kidneys.
- Abnormal levels of potassium or other minerals in the blood.
- Renal function tests may also be performed if you have symptoms suggesting possible kidney problems, such as:
- Blood in the urine.
- Painful urination.
Frequent urge to urinate.
Difficulty startingurination.:
- How to prepare for Renal Function Tests?
- For a blood test:
- Your doctor may ask you to fast for several hours before your blood is drawn.
Tell your doctor about anymedications you are taking.:
- Inform your doctor about any health conditions you have.
- If it is a urine sample:
- Before providing the sample, make sure you are well-hydrated.
- Depending on the reason for the urine test, your doctor may ask that the sample be the first urine of the morning.
- Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking.
