The Lab Breakdown: Understanding What's Included

Labs are the most vital piece of information needed to determine a patient’s kidney function. There are a number of tests that nephrologists might order to assist in finding the root cause of a problem. Let’s look at 5 of the most common tests, what’s included, and why they are so important. 

1. Metabolic Panels: Comprehensive (CMP), Basic (BMP), Renal Function
2. Urinalysis (complete and/or reflex to culture)
3. Protein Total or Microalbumin w/ Creatinine Random Urine
4. Uric Acid
5. 24-Hour Collections: Creatinine Clearance, Total Protein, Stonerisk

Metabolic Panels:
Metabolic panels are meant to test the blood for essential electrolytes and other values that indicate how well the body is functioning. Some of the most important values for nephrologists within these orders are:

• Sodium- affects nerves, muscles, and fluid balance
• Potassium- affects muscles and fluid balance
• Creatinine- waste product/toxin from filtration process
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)- waste product from digestion of protein
• eGFR- filtration rate
• Protein- can come in multiple forms to help regulate various body functions
• Albumin- a protein that carries chemicals within the body, assists with fluid retention

Urine Tests:
There are a few urine tests that a nephrologist might order to examine a number of factors that contribute to kidney function. These can include:

• Creatinine- high levels of creatinine in the urine can indicate issues with the kidneys or diabetes
• Protein- can indicate filtration issues
• Bacteria- can indicate infection
• Blood- can indicate infection, inflammation, or cancer 
• Glucose (sugar)- indicates filtration and diabetes
• Bilirubin- liver function 
• Crystals- can indicate kidney stones

Uric Acid:
Uric acid is a resulting waste product from the breakdown of purine-rich foods. A build-up of uric acid in the body can lead to gout, a potentially painful inflammatory response in the joints. Your kidneys work to filter out the uric acid through the urine. If the kidneys do not filter it out, high uric acid in kidneys can manifest as high blood pressure, worsening kidney function, or cause uric acid kidney stones.


While these lists are not all-inclusive, they can give you an idea of the range of values we look for. Remember to get your labs done no less than one (1) week prior to your scheduled appointment for the most current results. As always, contact your care team if you have any questions or concerns!

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