KH-1. Kidney Function

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Bun/Creatinine Ratio

A ratio between a person’s BUN and blood creatinine to help determine what is causing these concentrations to be higher than normal. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration. It may also be seen with increased protein, from gastrointestinal bleeding, or increased protein in the diet. The ratio may be decreased with liver disease (due to decrease in the formation of urea) and malnutrition.

Calcium

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is carbon dioxide. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.

Chloride

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is a measure of the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

Creatinine

The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys work.

Egfr African American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Egfr Non-Afr. American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Phosphate (As Phosphorus)

This test is performed to see how much phosphorus in your blood. Kidney, liver, and certain bone diseases can cause abnormal phosphorus levels.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure.

Sodium

Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly it is vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function

Urea Nitrogen (Bun)

BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.

Also known as: UA, Complete, Urinalysis UA Complete, Urine Analysis, Complete

Amorphous Sediment

Appearance

Bacteria

Bacteria are living things that have only one cell. Most bacteria won't hurt you - less than 1 percent of the different types make people sick. Many are helpful. Some bacteria help to digest food, destroy disease-causing cells, and give the body needed vitamins. But infectious bacteria can make you ill. They reproduce quickly in your body. Many give off chemicals called toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Examples of bacteria that cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli.

Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Calcium Oxalate Crystals

Calcium oxalate is a chemical compound that forms envelope-shaped crystals. A major constituent of human kidney stones.

Casts

Urinary casts are cylindrical structures produced by the kidney and present in the urine in certain disease states. They form in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting ducts of nephrons, then dislodge and pass into the urine, where they can be detected by microscopy.

Color

Crystals

Abnormal crystals may appear in urine as a result of pathology or due to normal catabolism

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Granular Cast

The second-most common type of cast, granular casts can result either from the breakdown of cellular casts or the inclusion of aggregates of plasma proteins (e.g., albumin) or immunoglobulin light chains. Depending on the size of inclusions, they can be classified as fine or coarse, though the distinction has no diagnostic significance. Their appearance is generally more cigar-shaped and of a higher refractive index than hyaline casts. While most often indicative of chronic renal disease, these casts, as with hyaline casts, can also be seen for a short time following strenuous exercise

Hyaline Cast

Urinary casts are tiny tube-shaped particles. Urinary casts may be made up of white blood cells, red blood cells, kidney cells, or substances such as protein or fat. The most common type of cast, hyaline casts are solidified Tamm-Horsfall mucoprotein secreted from the tubular epithelial cells of individual nephrons. Low urine flow, concentrated urine, or an acidic environment can contribute to the formation of hyaline casts, and, as such, they may be seen in normal individuals in dehydration or vigorous exercise. Hyaline casts are cylindrical and clear, with a low refractive index,

Ketones

Ketones are substances produced in the liver when fat cells break down in the blood. A serum ketone test is a measurement of how many ketones are in the blood.

Leukocyte Esterase

Leukocyte esterase is a urine test to look for white blood cells and other signs associated with infection.

Nitrite

Occult Blood

The test looks for hidden (occult) blood in a specimen sample. It can find blood even if you cannot see it yourself.

Ph

Level of acid

Protein

Body fluids contain many different proteins that serve diverse functions such as transport of nutrients, removal of toxins, control of metabolic processes, and defense against invaders. Protein electrophoresis is a method for separating these proteins based on their size and electrical charge. When body fluids are separated by electrophoresis, they form a characteristic pattern of bands of different widths and intensities, reflecting the mixture of proteins present. This pattern is divided into five fractions, called albumin, alpha 1, alpha 2, beta, and gamma. In some cases, the beta fraction is further divided into beta 1 and beta 2. Albumin, which is produced in the liver, accounts for about 60% of the protein in the blood. "Globulins" is a collective term used to refer to proteins other than albumin. With the exception of the immunoglobulins and some complement proteins, most of the globulins are also produced in the liver. Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) is a method used to identify abnormal bands seen on serum, urine, or CSF protein electrophoresis, as to which type of antibody (immunoglobulin) is present.

Rbc

RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. How much oxygen your body tissues get depends on how many RBCs you have and how well they work.

Reducing Substances

Renal Epithelial Cells

Specific Gravity

Squamous Epithelial Cells

Transitional Epithelial

Triple Phosphate Crystals

Struvite stones (triple phosphate/magnesium ammonium phosphate) - about 10–15% of urinary calculi are composed of struvite (ammonium magnesium phosphate, NH4MgPO4·6H2O).[44] Struvite stones (also known as "infection stones", urease or triple-phosphate stones), form most often in the presence of infection by urea-splitting bacteria

Uric Acid Crystals

Abnormal crystals may appear in urine as a result of pathology or due to normal catabolism

WBC

WBCs help fight infections. They are also called leukocytes. There are five major types of white blood cells: basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes (T cells and B cells), monocytes and neutrophils

YEAST

Candida is the scientific name for yeast. It is a fungus that lives almost everywhere, including in your body. Usually, your immune system keeps yeast under control. If you are sick or taking antibiotics, it can multiply and cause an infection.

Also known as: Protein Random Urine without Creatinine, Urine Protein Total Random without Creatinine

Protein, Total, Random Ur

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The KH-1. Kidney Function panel contains 3 tests with 41 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The KH-1 Kidney Function panel is a comprehensive diagnostic tool designed to evaluate the health and functionality of the kidneys. This panel includes a series of tests that collectively provide a detailed assessment of kidney performance, detecting potential issues early, and monitoring ongoing kidney health. This panel is crucial for identifying kidney disorders and ensuring the kidneys are effectively filtering waste and maintaining overall homeostasis within the body.

Collection Method: Blood Draw and Urine Collection

Specimen Type: Serum and Urine

Test Preparation: Fasting is preferred, but not required.

When and Why the KH-1 Kidney Function Panel May Be Ordered

The KH-1 Kidney Function panel may be ordered when a patient exhibits symptoms that may indicate kidney dysfunction, such as swelling in the extremities, fatigue, changes in urine output, or high blood pressure. It is also recommended for individuals with conditions that can impact kidney health, such as diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function is essential for these patients to prevent the progression of kidney damage and to manage any existing conditions effectively.

What the KH-1 Kidney Function Panel Checks For

The KH-1 Kidney Function panel includes several key tests that provide a comprehensive overview of kidney health:

Renal Functional Panel

The Renal Functional Panel evaluates various components in the blood to assess kidney function. This panel typically includes tests for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Elevated BUN and creatinine levels can indicate impaired kidney function, while electrolyte imbalances can signal issues with the kidneys’ ability to maintain homeostasis.

Urinalysis Complete

Urinalysis Complete is a thorough examination of urine to detect abnormalities that could indicate kidney disease, urinary tract infections, or other renal issues. This test analyzes the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine, looking for indicators such as protein, glucose, ketones, and blood cells.

Protein Total Random Urine

This test measures the amount of protein in a random urine sample. Proteinuria, or the presence of excess protein in the urine, can be an early sign of kidney disease, indicating that the kidneys' filtering units are damaged.

Learn More About Your Health with a More Advanced Panel

For a more detailed assessment of kidney health, consider the KH-2 Kidney Function panel, which offers additional insights beyond the KH-1 panel.

The KH-2 Kidney Function panel includes all the tests in the KH-1 panel, with the addition of Creatinine Clearance and Microalbumin Random Urine with Creatinine. Creatinine Clearance measures the rate at which the kidneys clear creatinine from the blood, providing a more precise evaluation of kidney filtration efficiency. Microalbumin measures small amounts of albumin in the urine, detecting early kidney damage even before proteinuria becomes evident.

Conditions or Diseases the KH-1 Kidney Function Panel Can Detect

The KH-1 Kidney Function panel is crucial for detecting and monitoring various conditions associated with kidney health:

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

CKD is characterized by gradual loss of kidney function over time. The Renal Functional Panel detects elevated levels of BUN and creatinine, indicating reduced kidney function. Urinalysis can reveal abnormalities such as protein or blood in the urine, while the Protein Total Random Urine test identifies proteinuria, a common sign of CKD.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

AKI involves a sudden decrease in kidney function, often due to severe illness, dehydration, or toxic exposure. The Renal Functional Panel helps identify elevated creatinine and BUN levels, which are indicative of AKI. Urinalysis can detect other abnormalities that suggest acute damage to the kidneys.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs can impact kidney function if left untreated. Urinalysis Complete identifies signs of infection, such as the presence of white blood cells, bacteria, and nitrites in the urine. Early detection through urinalysis helps prevent the spread of infection to the kidneys.

Using the Results of the KH-1 Kidney Function Panel

Chronic Kidney Disease

Healthcare professionals use elevated BUN, creatinine, and proteinuria results to diagnose CKD. Treatment plans may include medications to manage blood pressure and blood glucose levels, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications to slow disease progression and maintain kidney function.

Acute Kidney Injury

Results indicating elevated BUN and creatinine levels guide immediate interventions for AKI. Treatment may involve addressing the underlying cause, ensuring adequate hydration, and monitoring kidney function closely to promote recovery and prevent further damage.

Urinary Tract Infections

Positive urinalysis results for infection markers lead to prompt treatment with antibiotics to eradicate the infection and prevent complications. Regular monitoring ensures the infection is fully resolved and does not progress to involve the kidneys.

The KH-1 Kidney Function panel provides a comprehensive evaluation of kidney health, essential for detecting early signs of kidney disease, monitoring ongoing conditions, and guiding treatment plans. By assessing key markers of kidney function and identifying potential issues early, this panel helps healthcare providers develop effective strategies to manage kidney health and prevent complications. Regular monitoring through this panel supports proactive management and better health outcomes for patients at risk of kidney disease.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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