Renal

Kidneys play a vital role in waste elimination, blood pressure regulation, and fluid balance maintenance. Various factors can impair kidney function, leading to kidney damage and/or renal failure. Early detection of impaired kidney function is crucial to limit or prevent consequences. Blood and urine tests provide important supplementary information alongside clinical evaluation.

In vitro diagnostics

The following examples illustrate how laboratory testing contributes to the detection, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of reduced kidney function.

In vitro diagnostics

• Renal function

  Renal function is assessed through blood and urine tests measuring creatinine levels. Creatinine is a waste product from muscle creatine breakdown. Creatine is involved in energy production necessary for muscle function. The kidneys filter creatinine from blood for urinary excretion. Creatinine measurement in blood and/or urine provides a reliable indicator of kidney function.

  Creatinine blood test

  This test measures blood creatinine levels. Creatinine production depends on body height and muscle mass, resulting in typically higher values for men compared to women and children.

  Creatinine urine test

  Creatinine clearance indicates the kidneys' ability to filter blood and excrete waste products through urine. A 24-hour urine creatinine measurement provides comprehensive information about kidney function.

  Combined creatinine and cystatin C testing

  Elderly typically have lower blood creatinine levels due to reduced muscle mass. Including cystatin C measurement alongside creatinine provides more reliable kidney function assessment, particularly in elderly patients.

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