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How To Test For Kidney Disease

Diabetes And Kidney Disease

How do you check for kidney disease?

About 20 to 30 per cent of people with diabetes develop a type of kidney disease called diabetic nephropathy. This is a serious disease and may worsen other diabetic complications such as nerve and eye damage, as well as increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Diabetic nephropathy is the main cause of kidney failure .

The Incidence Of Kidney Disease Is Rising Screen Your Kidney Function With These Simple Blood And Urine Test

Written by Shraddha Rupavate | Updated : August 27, 2014 11:10 AM IST

Kidney problems do not develop overnight. Your kidney function naturally starts declining after you cross your 30s. And whether you will develop a kidney problem later in life is largely dependent on your lifestyle habits and diet. In most cases, kidney problems are caused as a result of a primary condition like diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol levels. Because the symptoms of kidney diseases are not evident unless the kidneys are deteriorated to a great extent , you should regularly screen your kidney function . Here are some kidney function tests that can determine whether you are at a risk of kidney disease.

1. Blood pressure: Your kidneys perform the function of filtering blood under pressure to eliminate waste products through the urine. If your blood pressure is higher than normal it will increase the load on your kidneys and may lead to kidney disease. Alternatively, a person is suffering from kidney disease is also likely to have high blood pressure. Read more about the medication for high blood pressure.

2. Blood creatinine test: Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by your muscles. It enters the bloodstream and is filtered by the kidneys to get excreted through the urine. A blood creatinine test will measure the amount of creatinine in your blood. A higher level may indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly.

Symptoms Of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is called a silent disease as there are often few or no symptoms. In fact, you can lose up to 90 per cent of your kidneys functionality before experiencing any symptoms. Some signs and symptoms include:

  • a change in the frequency and quantity of urine you pass, especially at night
  • blood in your urine
  • changes in the appearance of your urine
  • puffiness around your legs and ankles
  • pain in your back
  • pain or burning when you pass urine
  • high blood pressure.

If your kidneys begin to fail, waste products and extra fluid build up in your blood. This, and other problems, gradually leads to:

  • tiredness and inability to concentrate
  • generally feeling unwell
  • bad breath and a metallic taste in the mouth.

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How Chronic Kidney Disease Is Diagnosed

Chronic kidney disease is primarily diagnosed with blood and urine tests that detect chemical imbalances caused by the progressive loss of kidney function. The tests may be accompanied by imaging tests and biopsies used to pinpoint the exact cause of the dysfunction. Kidney function tests, also known as renal function tests, are important for monitoring the progression of the disease and your response to therapy. They are also vital to staging the disease and can help differentiate CKD from an acute kidney injury .

Why Might I Need A Kidney Function Test

Kidney Function Test and Kidney Function Test Results ...

Some conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure , affect how well the kidneys work. If you have one of these conditions, your healthcare provider may use kidney function tests to help monitor these conditions.

You may also need a kidney function test if you have symptoms that indicate possible kidney problems. These symptoms might include:

  • Blood in your urine .
  • Problems with starting to pee.

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Bonus #: Free Lifetime Email Support

Youre bound to need some help at one point or another during the program. This benefit lets you contact their highly skilled expert team of natural health professionals from any location and anytime. You can contact their customer support team any questions you have about the program. They also conduct regular follow-ups with customers to check on their progress in time.

Kidney Disease In Dogs: Homemade Diet For Your Pup

We never recommend creating a homemade diet for dogs with severe metabolic disorders such as chronic renal failure.

This is because creating a homemade diet is not only time consuming, but, it is also a tricky business that needs to be monitored closely.

Nevertheless, a homemade diet consisting of fresh food can be quite beneficial to your dog with kidney failure. Heres what you should first consider!

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The Benefits From The Kidney Disease Solution

With this program, you will reap the benefits you can expect to observe in your health and kidney function:

  • An integrated and comprehensive method of treating kidney disease.
  • A natural treatment method which doesnt rely on drugs, supplements, or procedures
  • Enhanced overall health with simple lifestyle modifications
  • Better diet through understanding the best foods to eat and what to avoid for healthy kidneys
  • Lower stress levels and better sleep by guided yoga and meditation exercises
  • More power throughout your day

Your Mileage May Vary

How To Test Kidney Disease At Home & Adjusting Your Renal Diet For Success!

High blood pressure and diabetes are the leading causes of CKD. Approximately 1 in 3 adults with diabetes and 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure could have CKD. Also, the number of young people with type 2 diabetes is increasing. Thats important because having diabetes for a longer time means more time to develop diabetes complications, including CKD.

Diabetes is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease , accounting for 44% of new cases. African Americans are about 3 times more likely to develop ESRD than whites. Hispanics are about 35% more likely to develop ESRD than non-Hispanics. And theres a gender gap: men are nearly 65% more likely than women to progress to ESRD.

Getting a checkup? Make sure to get your kidneys checked, too.

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Who Are They For

The Kidney disease solution program can be beneficial for patients suffering from kidney disease with limited options for treating their kidney disease. If you are suffering from kidney issues, you may consider trying out the program to determine what difference it makes for your overall health. For those who are in the late stages of kidney disease this program could potentially reverse your condition.

If you dont suffer from kidney disease, you might consider trying it out since almost everybody can benefit from the suggestions or recipes as well as the exercises included in the program. The program doesnt just focus on improving kidney function but also changing your lifestyle and diet to achieve greater overall health. The fact is prevention is always more effective than treatment.

However, people with existing medical conditions should first consult with their doctor prior to applying the program. This program is not recommended for pregnant women nursing mothers, or those who are younger than 18 years old.

How Much Does The Test Cost

There is no universal fixed price for a renal panel test.

Different charges that can figure into the total price include office visits, fees related to the blood draw procedure, and costs of laboratory analysis. How much is billed for these charges can depend on several factors including:

  • Where the blood draw is performed
  • The laboratory that performs the testing
  • The specific measurements included in the renal panel
  • Whether you have health insurance

Many health insurance plans will cover some or all of the costs of a renal panel if the test is prescribed by your doctor, but some costs, such as for a deductible or copays, may still have to be paid out of pocket.

For more detailed information about what will be covered and your expected costs, talk directly with your doctors office and your health insurance company.

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What Might These Tests Indicate If My Pet Has Kidney Disease

A) A complete blood count involves the evaluation of the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelet components of a single blood sample. A hematology analyzer will provide your veterinarian with the total numbers of these cells, and evaluation of a blood smear will allow a look at the physical characteristics of these cells.

The kidneys produce a substance called erythropoietin that is necessary for proper red blood cell production within the bone marrow. With kidney disease, the amount of erythropoietin produced may be decreased, causing a decrease in red blood cell production. This shows up in the CBC as anemia.

The white blood cell numbers may be increased if the underlying cause of the kidney disease is due to an infection or inflammation.

Rarely, platelet numbers may be reduced if a clotting problem has occurred as a result of the underlying kidney disease.

B) The serum biochemistry profile requires a separate blood sample from which the serum is separated from the cellular portion of blood. Serum contains many substances including enzymes, proteins, lipids , glucose and metabolic waste products.

Of most importance in the diagnosis of kidney disease are the determination of the levels of two substances, namely blood urea nitrogen and creatinine.

Increases in BUN and creatinine may be seen with kidney disease, as well as with dehydration and other causes of reduced blood flow to the kidneys.

“Severe increases in potassium may cause cardiac arrhythmias.”

Best Tool For Doctors: Healthyio

Kidney Function Test @Home: Purpose, Types, When to do ...

Healthy.io

  • Pricing: Depends on healthcare provider
  • Test results: Within minutes
  • Sample type: Urine sample

Healthy.ios CKD Early Detection Test provides testing from the comfort of your own home and send clinical-grade results automatically and securley to your healthcare provider.

  • Cost-saving for health systems as a tool to prevent costly disease progression

  • Opportunity to catch kidney disease early and halt progression

  • Only available through your doctor

High blood pressure is a risk factor for kidney disease, and an early indication that hypertension is leading to kidney disease is the presence of proteins in your urine. The CKD Early Detection Service uses an at-home urine test to screen the urine of high-risk people for the presence of these proteins. The Geisinger Health System in rural Pennsylvania conducted a trial funded by the National Kidney Foundation to evaluate the effectiveness of a home testing kit combined with a smartphone app to screen for protein in the urine of patients with high blood pressure, but not kidney disease. The study found that the use of an at-home urine test combined with a smartphone app and telephone contact improved urine protein screening rates by about 11% when compared with mailed reminders alone.

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Using A Home Test Kit And Smartphone To Test For Kidney Disease

New Clinical Trial Screens Hypertensive PopulationAustin, TXApril 10, 2018

  • Examine the effect of mailed, Healthy.io smartphone urinalysis kits to improve albuminuria screening compliance and detection of albuminuria.
  • Examine the feasibility of pharmacists in improving management of detected albuminuria, as pharmacists will be instructed to confirm test with urine albumin/creatinine ratio and treat albuminuria.
  • Randomize 1,000 non-diabetic patients with hypertension who are receiving primary care at Geisinger. Patients will be randomized into two groups one group receiving the usual care and one group who will receive a mailed Healthy.io urinalysis kit.
  • A home test will be mailed to 500 Geisinger patients who have been diagnosed with hypertension but who do not have diabetes, along with instructions for downloading the smartphone app, to determine if the patient also has CKD.
  • Geisinger patients will receive a letter and phone call educating them on the importance of screening for proteinuria from a team of nurses within the organizations Care Gaps department. Appropriate follow-up will then be managed by the patients primary care provider and care team.
  • View a link to the product:

Kidney Disease FactsAbout National Kidney FoundationAbout GeisingerAbout Healthy.io

COVID-19 patients can become kidney patients.

How Is A Renal Panel Test Different From A Creatinine Clearance Test

A creatinine clearance test includes both a blood and urine sample. The amount of creatinine is measured in each sample, and then the two figures are compared. This comparison provides a method for estimating the glomerular filtration rate and evaluating kidney function.

In contrast, a renal panel uses only a blood sample. While a standard renal panel measures creatinine in the blood, it does not include a urine collection or comparative measurement.

The renal panel also includes a more diverse set of measurements, including proteins, minerals, and electrolytes, than a creatinine clearance test.

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Best For Price Convenience: Pixel By Labcorp

Pixel by LabCorp

  • Test results: Depends on test
  • Sample type: Blood and urine sample

Pixel by LabCorps Kidney Health Test Package measures overall kidney function and indicates possible kidney damage with an easy-to-use kit that offers quick, online access to results.

  • Samples can be drawn both at home or in the lab

  • Online support and results on HIPAA-compliant portal

  • Easy access to physicians to review orders and test results

  • Complaints in online reviews about customer services

  • Limited testing options

LabCorps Kidney Health Test Package allows you to get kidney function test results at home. The kidney test includes all the measurements that will give a snapshot of your kidneys overall healthcreatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rates, albumin, and the albumin-creatinine ratiofor the price of one or two tests from competitors. Other tests can give you much more detailed information about your kidneys, but this $89 test kit will provide you with enough information to show any red flags or concerns. You may also find cheaper tests, but they may not include as many measurements within your lab results.

LabCorp doesnt bill insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, but you can use Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Savings Accounts to purchase these kits.

LabCorp also offers the more basic albumin-creatinine ratio test alone for $59. This test uses just a urine sample to detect proteins in your urine.

Blood Tests For Diagnosing Kidney Disease

How can I be tested for kidney disease?

Following are a variety of blood tests that help determine whether or not you have kidney disease:

  • CBC complete blood count of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and plateletslow CBC level can mean kidney function is reduced.
  • Creatinine waste product of muscles that is normally eliminated by the kidneys, may be elevated when kidney function is reduced.
  • Creatinine clearance measure of how well creatinine is removed by the kidneys over a 24-hour period of urine collection. When kidney function is reduced, clearance may be low.
  • Blood electrolyte tests also known as chemistries. Electrolytes are filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Abnormal levels may indicate reduced kidney function.
  • Hemoglobin A1C measures how well blood sugar is controlled during three months before testing. Elevation indicates blood sugar is not well-controlled and may be causing reduced kidney function.
  • Blood urea nitrogen also a waste product that is eliminated by the kidneys. BUN is elevated when kidney function is reduced.
  • Glomerular filtration rate the best measure of kidney function and also determines the stage or progression of the disease. The higher the numbers of the GFR, the better the kidneys are working.

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What Are The Different Types Of Urine Tests

Doctors use different tests to look for different things:

  • Visual exam: Doctors look at the urine sample to:
  • See its color dark yellow or brown urine can be a sign of a problem
  • Check if it is foamy, cloudy or has an unusual smell, which can be signs of a problem
  • Microscopic exam: Doctors look at a small amount of urine under a microscope to check for signs of problems, such as:
  • Bacteria, which may be due to an infection
  • Crystals, which may be signs of kidney stones
  • Red or white blood cells, which may be a sign of an infection or other kidney problems
  • Dipstick test: Doctors dip a thin plastic strip into your urine, which changes color to show the levels of:
  • Blood, which can be a sign of problems such as infection
  • Protein, which can be a sign of kidney disease
  • Glucose , which can be a sign of diabetes in high levels
  • Acidity , which in abnormal levels can be a sign of problems, such as a UTI
  • Albumin-to-creatinine ratio : Your doctor will test your urine to see the amount of albumin and creatinine . Your doctor will compare these results to figure out your UACR. If your UACR is more than 30 mg/g, ask your doctor when you should be tested again. Also ask your doctor if you should have an eGFR test.
  • Why Would I Get A Kidney Biopsy

    A kidney biopsy can help your doctor figure out what is causing your kidney problem, how severe your kidney problem is and the best treatment.

    Your doctor may suggest a kidney biopsy if tests show:

    Your doctor may also suggest a kidney biopsy to find out if:

    If you have any questions about why you need a kidney biopsy and how it could help treat your kidney problem, talk to your doctor.

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