Renal profile – what is it, what tests does it involve, how to prepare? WE EXPLAIN

Proven content

They cleanse the blood of toxic substances, keep the body properly hydrated and help regulate blood pressure. The kidneys – because we are talking about them – are one of the most important organs in the human body. Unfortunately, most kidney diseases develop asymptomatically, and their malfunction is diagnosed too late. Since still few of us know how to properly care for the kidneys, it is so important to preventive and regular examinations that are part of the kidney profile.

What is a kidney profile?

The kidney profile is a package of blood and urine tests that allows you to assess the condition and function of the kidneys. Unfortunately, it is still most often performed when there are suspicions of work disorders and kidney diseases. Meanwhile, the renal profile should be performed as a preventive examination.

The kidney profile allows not only diagnosing abnormalities in the work of the kidneysbut also allows observation and monitoring of their condition during treatment. Therefore, it is performed in people on dialysis, after kidney transplants, as well as in those who take medications, to assess their impact on the condition of the kidneys.

Kidney profile tests

For proper and complete diagnostics, the kidney package includes tests for creatinine, urea, potassium, sodium, uric acid and a general urine test. Only the performance of all tests and the analysis of their results by a doctor will allow the full picture of the disease to be assessed.

1. Creatinine. It is a compound that is mainly produced in the muscles, but it is excreted by the kidneys. If the kidneys are not working properly and their filtering function for harmful substances is impaired, creatinine is not excreted from the body in the urine, but it is stored in the plasma. Therefore, both urine and blood can be a material for testing its concentration. Interestingly, the concentration norms in women will differ from the norms for men. This is due to the difference in muscle mass in the structure of the body. Normal norms of creatinine concentration for women are 800-1350 mg / day, and for men 1100-2000 mg / day.
2. Urea. Blood urea testing is usually used in patients who are suspected of having renal insufficiency. Together with the result of creatinine concentration, they form a duo of tests that allow you to assess the ability of the kidneys to excrete harmful substances. The norms of blood urea concentration are 15-40 mg / dl. When the result is inflated, the most common words are kidney failure, dehydration, kidney injury, and cancer.
3. Potassium. Potassium belongs to the group of electrolytes. As such, it is responsible for transmitting electrical impulses between the cells of the body, and thus – has a huge impact on the work of our muscles. As an electrolyte, it controls the maintenance of an adequate level of body hydration. The blood potassium test is analyzed together with your sodium level. The norms for potassium are 3,5-5mmol / l.
4. Sodium. Like potassium, sodium in the body protects us against dehydration, affects the conduction of nerve impulses and activates salivary amylase. Amylase is an enzyme in saliva that starts the process of digesting products that end up in the mouth. The results in the range of 135-145mmol / l are considered to be the norms of sodium concentration in the blood. Renal failure, high blood pressure, and heart disease are the most common symptoms when the potassium and sodium results are abnormal.
5. Uric acid. Uric acid is a breakdown product of purine bases. Since their greatest amount comes from consumed food, higher levels of uric acid are observed in patients whose diets are very rich in animal and vegetable proteins. Uric acid concentration in the range of 3-7 mg / dl is considered normal. The reason for a higher score is often kidney failure, cancer, or anemia.
6. Urinalysis. As the name suggests, the subject of this test is a urine sample provided by the patient. The analyst carefully checks the urine for its biochemical and physical characteristics. Based on the results, it is possible to diagnose many diseases, not only those originating in the kidneys. Thanks to urine examination, we can detect diabetes, infections, cancer, stones and hypertension.

Get the Kidney Disease Diagnostics – Blood and Urine Tests package at Medonet Market now.

1. Healthy kidneys – blood and urine tests – from 54 PLN
2. Blood morphology and general urine test – laboratory analysis (All Poland) – from 10 PLN
3. Blood and urine tests for kidney stones (Cała Polska) – from PLN 69

Kidney profile – how to prepare for the test?

Since the kidney profile involves both blood tests and urine tests, it is important to know how to properly prepare for them. It is worth going to the tests on an empty stomach so that the result is appropriate and reliable. A special container is required to collect a urine sample, which can be purchased at a pharmacy. Urine should be taken from the middle stream. About 20 ml of urine is enough to perform the tests. We close the container and take it with us to the laboratory.

On the day before blood tests, you should have a light dinner no later than 19 pm. The next day, we do not eat anything, we can only drink a glass of still water. Remember that proper preparation for the research will make the results reliable and will not have to be repeated.

1. Perform ultrasound of the urinary system today – from PLN 100

It is also possible to carry out a kidney profile examination at home. The patient does not have to go to the laboratory to donate blood and urine for testing. All you need to do is choose a convenient time when the nurse will come to the patient’s home to collect blood, and also take the urine container from the patient. The test results will be available within 1-2 business days on the website.

1. Assessment of kidney function and the metabolic process – analysis of blood collected at home – from 115 PLN

A visit to a nephrologist – when is it worth using?

If the results of the kidney profile made the patient’s room aroused, and the pains in the lower spine worsened, it is worth visiting a nephrologist. Based on the results, he will be able to assess the functioning of the kidneys and select the appropriate treatment.

1. A visit to the nephrologist – from 150 PLN

An alternative to the traditional visit is an on-line consultation with a nephrologist, which turns out to be a good solution for the elderly, as well as for those with a family history of urinary tract problems. An e-visit to a nephrologist can also work as a form of health monitoring.

1. Check available offers of e-visits with a nephrologist

Renal profile – indications for a visit to the urologist

Problems with the urinary system can also be consulted with a urologist who deals with the treatment of diseases of the urinary-excretory system of both women and men. We can ask a specialist for a diagnosis of kidney stones.

1. A visit to a urologist – from PLN 130
2. E-visit to the urologist – make an appointment now

If we want to ask the urologist only a question, we can ask it on the website. This is when we will decide whether we want to choose a stationary visit or an e-visit to the urologist.