It is essential to get your regular health checkups done to detect potential health issues before they become serious. The two most important tests, among others, are kidney and liver function tests. The kidney function tests and liver function tests provide a clear picture of the workings of your liver and kidneys.
Call My Doctor encourages regular health screenings as a preventive measure to detect any disease in its early stages so that it can be cured accordingly.
In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about essential kidney and liver tests and why they are important.
What Are Kidney Function Tests and Liver Function Tests?
Kidney Function Tests
Kidney profiles give you a complete picture of your kidney and its function. These tests tell you how well your kidneys are functioning and how much waste they filter out. The kidneys’ main role is to filter out any waste product from your body and maintain fluid balance and electrolytes. Even a slight change in their function can lead to serious health issues, so it is essential to get your kidneys and liver tested.
Liver Function Tests
Liver assessments are performed via blood tests that help assess the condition of the liver. The liver’s main function is to process nutrients, detoxify harmful substances, and produce proteins essential for your health. Regular liver testing helps you detect the early signs of any liver disease so that you can start your treatment quickly.
Why Are Kidney and Liver Function Tests Important?
As a preventive measure, it is important to get your kidney and liver tests done, as kidney and liver disease often go unnoticed, and when they are detected, it’s too late. Getting regular kidney and liver tests can save you from suffering from severe health issues.
Following are the benefits of getting your kidneys and liver tested:
- Early detection of chronic diseases (e.g., chronic kidney disease, hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis)
- Monitor the impact of various medicines on your kidneys and liver.
- Assess the overall health condition of your liver and kidneys.
By opting for Call My Doctor, you can conveniently get your liver and kidney tested and identify any problem detected by conducting the tests.
Understanding the Tests for Kidneys
Various types of kidney tests are conducted to evaluate the overall health of your kidneys. Let’s have a look:
1. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test
Blood urea nitrogen is a type of test for kidney that is conducted to check the amounts of nitrogen in your blood, as nitrogen is a waste product that is formed by the breakdown of proteins. High BUN levels indicate either you are dehydrated or you might have impaired kidney function.
2. Serum Creatinine Test
Muscle metabolism produces another waste product, creatinine. Creatinine is filtered by kidneys and then excreted as it is a waste product. The serum creatinine is a special test for the kidney that is used to check the levels of creatinine present in the body. Increased levels of creatinine show that the kidney function Is not normal.
3. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
GFR is a special kidney test that shows how well your kidneys are working and filtering blood. It is calculated and checked based on your creatinine level, gender, and age. A low GFR shows that kidney functioning is deteriorating and can be an early sign of chronic kidney disease; it suggests that the person with low GFR needs urgent medical assistance.
4. Urinalysis
It is a simple test that examines your urine to check the amount of protein, blood, and other substances in it. It helps in detecting abnormalities that may indicate various kidney issues.
When Should You Get a Kidney Test?
You should get renal function tests when you experience the following symptoms. Symptoms of Kidney problems are:
- Swelling in the legs
- Swelling on face
- Swelling on ankles
- Constant fatigue
- The problem in urination (e.g., increased frequency, dark or foamy urine)
- High blood pressure
Other risk factors are diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease.
Understanding the Tests for Liver
Various types of liver tests are conducted to evaluate the overall health of your liver. These tests are conducted by performing different blood tests, and each one shows a specific aspect of your liver health.
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
ALT helps to determine the picture of ALT, an enzyme found in the liver. High levels of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) in the blood indicate liver inflammation.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
AST helps to determine the picture of AST, an enzyme found in the liver and other vital organs. Elevated levels of AST can indicate liver damage or liver disease.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
ALP helps to determine the picture of ALP, an enzyme related to the bile ducts. High levels of the enzyme ALP indicate the blockage of the bile duct, liver disease, or bone disorders.
Bilirubin Test
When the red blood cells break, they form a product called bilirubin. As it is a waste product, high levels of bilirubin can lead to various diseases like jaundice and may indicate issues related to the liver or gallbladder.
Albumin Test
Along with other proteins, the liver produces another essential protein called albumin. Low levels of albumin may indicate liver dysfunction or malnutrition.
When Should You Get a Liver Test?
When you experience the following symptoms, you should get your liver tested. Symptoms of liver problems are:
- Yellowing of the skin
- Yellowing of eyes (jaundice)
- Constant nausea or vomiting
- Dark-colored urine
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling in the abdomen
- weight loss
Other risk factors are regular consumption of alcohol, a history of hepatitis, or certain medications.
After completing your liver and kidney tests, your results will be out within a few hours. These results will show some values that would indicate whether the levels are normal or not. If your results are outside the normal range, then you should immediately consult your doctor for quick medical assistance and treatment.
Why Choose Call My Doctor?
At Call My Doctor, our qualified, professional team is always there to assist you. We encourage individuals to take regular kidney and liver tests to detect any issues at an early stage. Here, you can get your tests conveniently done, and our team will guide you if your results are alarming. At Call My Doctor, after you take the tests, you will receive the results as quickly as possible. So, call us now and book your appointment.
Conclusion
As the kidney and liver are the vital organs of the body, it is important to get regular tests like kidney function tests and a liver checkups done. Regular kidney and liver assessments are important to detect any potential issues with your liver and kidneys and maintain your overall health and well-being. If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of liver disease or kidney disease, it is best to get your kidneys and liver tested soon so that if the results are not normal, then the proper treatment can be given to save you from any potential disease and its side effects.
