Renal Function

Test in the Top 5 Kidney Function Tests to Ask for and How to Interpret Them

• Creatinine Clearance [ 7943 ]
• Microalbumin, Random Urine with Creatinine [ 6517 ]
• Renal Function Panel [ 10314 ]
• Urinalysis (UA), Complete [ 5463 ]
• Urine Protein, Total, Random without Creatinine [ 14523 ]
   

• Renal Function Panel [ 10314 ]
• Urinalysis (UA), Complete [ 5463 ]
• Urine Protein, Total, Random without Creatinine [ 14523 ]
   

• Creatinine Clearance [ 7943 ]
• Microalbumin, Random Urine with Creatinine [ 6517 ]
• Renal Function Panel [ 10314 ]
• Urinalysis (UA), Complete [ 5463 ]
• Urine Protein, Total, Random without Creatinine [ 14523 ]
   

Description: A renal panel is a blood test that is used to screen for, diagnose, and monitor a variety of conditions and diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease.

Also Known As: Kidney Panel Test, Kidney Function Panel Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: Fasting Specimen Preferred

Average Processing Time: 1 to 2 days

When is a Renal Function Panel test ordered:

When someone has risk factors for kidney disease, such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, excessive cholesterol, or a family history of kidney disease, a health practitioner may recommend a renal panel.

When someone has signs and symptoms of kidney illness, a health professional may order a renal panel, albeit early kidney disease often has no symptoms. It can be discovered with routine blood or urine tests at first.

When someone is being treated for kidney disease, a renal panel may be done at regular intervals for monitoring purposes.

What does a Renal Function Panel blood test check for?

A renal panel is a collection of tests that can be used to assess kidney function. To establish the current condition of the kidneys, the tests measure levels of numerous chemicals in the blood, including many minerals, electrolytes, proteins, and glucose.

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs placed on the right and left sides of the back at the bottom of the ribcage. They filter about 150 quarts of blood per day on average, eliminating waste products from food breakdown and normal cell activity. The kidneys produce urine to evacuate excess water from the body as well as waste materials from the bloodstream.

The kidneys assist in the regulation of pH and levels of essential chemicals in the body, such as potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, chloride, and bicarbonate, by separating them from waste materials and releasing them back into the blood, releasing only as much or as little as is required to maintain normal blood levels.

Waste products can build up in the blood and fluid levels can rise to dangerous levels if the kidneys aren't working properly, causing damage to the body or a potentially life-threatening situation. Kidney injury can be caused by a variety of illnesses and diseases. Diabetes and hypertension are the most common causes of renal disease and major risk factors.

Lab tests often ordered with a Renal Function Panel test:

• Albumin
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
• Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
• CO2
• Calcium
• Chloride
• Creatinine
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
• Cystatin C with eGFR
• Electrolyte Panel
• Glucose
• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Sodium
• Microalbumin
• Beta-2 Microglobulin
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Urinalysis Complete
• Urine Protein

Conditions where a Renal Function Panel test is recommended:

• Kidney Disease
• High Blood Pressure
• Diabetes
• Proteinuria
• Hematuria

How does my health care provider use a Renal Function Panel test?

A renal panel can be used to assess kidney function, diagnose kidney-related illnesses, screen people who might develop kidney disease, or monitor someone who has already been diagnosed with kidney disease.

A urinalysis, urine protein, or creatinine clearance are some of the various laboratory tests that can be done to monitor kidney function. A urine albumin test, which analyzes small levels of albumin leakage from the blood into the urine, can also be used to detect early kidney impairment in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. An albumin/creatinine ratio can be estimated by measuring both albumin and creatinine in a random urine sample. This might be done to detect how much albumin is escaping from the kidneys into the urine more precisely.

What do my Renal Panel test results mean?

The findings of a renal panel test are not diagnostic; rather, they indicate that there may be a problem with the kidneys and that additional testing is needed to make a diagnosis and determine the reason. The panel's results are usually weighed jointly rather than separately. Individual test results may be abnormal for reasons other than kidney disease, but when combined with risks and/or signs and symptoms, they may indicate the presence of renal disease.

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

Kidney Assess

• Beta-2-Microglobulin, Serum
• Creatinine Clearance
• CYSTATIN C WITH eGFR
• Microalbumin, Random Urine with Creatinine
• Protein, Total, Random Urine with Creatini
• PTH, Intact (without Calcium)
• Renal Function Panel

Kidney Assess Plus

• Beta-2-Microglobulin, Serum
• CBC (includes Differential and Platelets)
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
• Creatinine Clearance
• CYSTATIN C WITH eGFR
• Microalbumin, Random Urine with Creatinine
• Protein, Total, Random Urine with Creatini
• PTH, Intact (without Calcium)
• QuestAssureD™ 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (D2, D3), LC/MS/MS
• Renal Function Panel
• Uric Acid

Description: The Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) test is a commonly performed blood test that provides important information about a patient's overall metabolic health and the function of key organs such as the kidneys and liver. It measures various chemical substances and electrolytes in the blood to assess their levels and balance, providing insights into overall health and detecting potential abnormalities. 

Also Known As: BMP, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, Chem 7, Chem 11, BMP Test, SMA 7, SMAC7, Basic Metabolic Test, Chem Test, Chem Panel Test 

Collection Method: Blood Draw 

Specimen Type: Serum 

Test Preparation: 9-12 hours fasting is preferred. 

Average Processing Time: 1 to 2 days

When is a Basic Metabolic Panel test ordered?  

A Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) test may be ordered in several situations to evaluate a patient's health:

1. Routine Health Check-ups: Doctors often include a BMP test as part of routine check-ups to assess general health, monitor organ function, and identify any underlying metabolic imbalances or disorders.

2. Evaluation of Organ Function: The BMP test helps evaluate the function of vital organs, such as the kidneys and liver. It can identify conditions like kidney disease, liver dysfunction, or imbalances in electrolytes that may affect overall health.

3. Monitoring Medications or Treatments: Patients taking medications that may impact kidney function, electrolyte balance, or liver enzymes may require regular BMP tests to ensure the medications are well-tolerated and not causing adverse effects.

4. Identification of Metabolic Disorders: The BMP test can aid in diagnosing or monitoring metabolic disorders like diabetes, as it includes measurements of blood glucose levels, which is crucial for assessing glucose control.

What does a Basic Metabolic Panel blood test check for? 

The basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a 9-test panel that provides essential information to a health practitioner about a person's current metabolic status, including kidney health, blood glucose level, electrolyte and acid/base balance. Abnormal results, particularly when they are combined, can suggest a problem that needs to be addressed. 

The following tests are included in the BMP test: 

• Bun/Creatinine Ratio: this is a ratio between your Urea Nitrogen (BUN) result and Creatinine result.  

• Calcium: this is a measurement of calcium in your blood. Calcium is the most abundant and one of the most important minerals in the body as it essential for proper nerve, muscle, and heart function. Calcium is also used for blood clot formation and the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth. 

• Carbon Dioxide: this is a measure of carbon dioxide in your blood. Carbon dioxide is a negatively charged electrolyte that works with other electrolytes such as chloride, potassium, and sodium to regulate the body’s acid-base balance and fluid levels.  

• Chloride: this is a measure of Chloride in your blood. Chloride is a negatively charged electrolyte that works with other electrolytes such as potassium and sodium to regulate the body’s acid-base balance and fluid levels. 

• Creatinine: this is a measure of Creatinine levels in your blood. Creatinine is created from the breakdown of creatine in your muscles and is removed from your body by the kidneys. Elevated creatinine levels are often associated with kidney damage. 

• Egfr African American: this is a measure of how well your kidneys are functioning. Glomeruli are tiny filters in your kidneys that filter out waste products from your blood for removal while retaining important substances such as nutrients and blood cells. 

• Egfr Non-Afr. American: this is a measure of how well your kidneys are functioning. Glomeruli are tiny filters in your kidneys that filter out waste products from your blood for removal while retaining important substances such as nutrients and blood cells. 

• Glucose: this is a measure of glucose in your blood. Glucose is created from the breakdown of carbohydrates during digestion and is the body’s primary source of energy. 

• Potassium: this is a measure of Potassium in your blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that plays a vital role in cell metabolism, nerve and muscle function, and transport of nutrients into cells and removal of wastes products out of cells. 

• Sodium: this is a measure of Sodium in your blood. Sodium is an electrolyte that plays a vital role in nerve and muscle function. 

• Urea Nitrogen (Bun): this is a measure of Urea Nitrogen in your blood, also known as Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN). Urea is a waste product created in the liver when proteins are broken down into amino acids. Elevated levels are often associated with kidney damage. 

Lab tests often ordered with a Basic Metabolic Panel test: 

• Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets
• Hemoglobin A1c
• Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity
• Lipid Panel
• Insulin
• Vitamin B12 and Folate
• C-Reactive Protein

Conditions where a Basic Metabolic Panel test is recommended: 

A Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) test can assist in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions or diseases, including:

1. Kidney Disease: The BMP test helps identify kidney diseases such as chronic kidney disease, kidney infections, or kidney stones by evaluating kidney function markers like BUN and creatinine.

2. Liver Diseases: Abnormal liver function markers on the BMP test can indicate liver diseases such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or liver damage.

3. Diabetes or Glucose Imbalances: The BMP test, which includes blood glucose measurement, aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes or impaired glucose metabolism.

Commonly Asked Questions: 

How does my health care provider use a Basic Metabolic Panel test? 

Healthcare providers use the results of a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) test to:

1. Diagnose Medical Conditions: Abnormalities in BMP test results can help healthcare providers diagnose conditions such as kidney disease, liver dysfunction, diabetes, or electrolyte imbalances.

2. Monitor Treatment Effectiveness: Regular BMP tests allow healthcare providers to monitor the impact of treatments or medications on organ function, glucose control, or electrolyte balance. They can evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and make necessary adjustments to optimize patient care.

3. Assess Overall Metabolic Health: The BMP test provides valuable insights into a patient's metabolic state, helping healthcare providers assess overall health, detect risk factors, and guide further investigations if necessary.

By effectively utilizing the results of a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) test, healthcare providers can diagnose conditions, monitor treatment progress, and make informed decisions regarding patient care and management.

What do my Basic Metabolic Panel results mean? 

The results of the tests included in the BMP are usually analyzed together to look for patterns. A single abnormal test result may indicate something different than a series of abnormal test findings. 

Out-of-range results on any of the BMP's tests can be caused by a number of things, including kidney failure, breathing issues, and diabetes-related consequences. If any of the results are abnormal, one or more follow-up tests are usually ordered to help determine the reason and/or establish a diagnosis. 

Is there anything else I should know? 

The results of the BMP components can be influenced by a range of prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Any medications you're taking should be disclosed to your healthcare professional. Similarly, it is critical to provide them with a thorough medical history because many other circumstances can influence how your results are interpreted. 

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

Please note the following regarding BUN/Creatinine ratio: 

The lab does not report the calculation for the BUN/Creatinine Ratio unless one or both biomarkers’ results fall out of the published range. 

If you still wish to see the value, it's easy to calculate. Simply take your Urea Nitrogen (BUN) result and divide it by your Creatinine result.  

As an example, if your Urea Nitrogen result is 11 and your Creatinine result is 0.86, then you would divide 11 by 0.86 and get a BUN/Creatinine Ratio result of 12.79. 

Description: The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) test is a widely used blood test that provides valuable insights into a patient's overall health and helps evaluate the function of various organs and systems in the body. It measures a comprehensive set of chemical substances in the blood, including electrolytes, kidney and liver function markers, glucose, and protein levels. The CMP test offers a comprehensive overview of the body's metabolic state and aids in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions.

Also Known As: CMP, Chem, Chem-14, Chem-12, Chem-21, Chemistry Panel, Chem Panel, Chem Screen, Chemistry Screen, SMA 12, SMA 20, SMA 21, SMAC, Chem test

Collection Method: Blood Draw 

Specimen Type: Serum 

Test Preparation: 9-12 hours fasting is preferred.

Average Processing Time: 1 to 2 days 

When is a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test ordered:  

A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) test may be ordered in several situations to assess a patient's health:

1. Routine Health Check-ups: Doctors often include a CMP test as part of routine check-ups to assess overall health, screen for underlying conditions, and establish a baseline for future comparisons.

2. Evaluation of Organ Function: The CMP test provides valuable information about the function of vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. It helps detect abnormalities or diseases affecting these organs, such as liver disease, kidney dysfunction, or diabetes.

3. Monitoring Medications or Treatments: Patients undergoing certain medications or treatments, such as those that may impact liver or kidney function, require regular monitoring through CMP tests to ensure the treatments are well-tolerated and effective.

4. Investigation of Symptoms: When patients present with symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss, a CMP test can aid in identifying potential underlying causes or imbalances.

What does a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel blood test check for? 

The complete metabolic panel (CMP) is a set of 20 tests that provides critical information to a healthcare professional about a person's current metabolic status, check for liver or kidney disease, electrolyte and acid/base balance, and blood glucose and blood protein levels. Abnormal results, particularly when they are combined, can suggest a problem that needs to be addressed. 

The following tests are included in the CMP: 

• Albumin: this is a measure of Albumin levels in your blood. Albumin is a protein made by the liver that is responsible for many vital roles including transporting nutrients throughout the body and preventing fluid from leaking out of blood vessels. 

• Albumin/Globulin Ratio: this is a ratio between your total Albumin and Globulin  

• Alkaline Phosphatase: this is a measure of Alkaline phosphatase or ALP in your blood. Alkaline phosphatase is a protein found in all body tissues, however the ALP found in blood comes from the liver and bones. Elevated levels are often associated with liver damage, gallbladder disease, or bone disorder. 

• Alt: this is a measure of Alanine transaminase or ALT in your blood. Alanine Aminotransferase is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver with small amounts in the heart and muscles. Elevated levels are often associated with liver damage. 

• AST: this is a measure of Aspartate Aminotransferase or AST. Aspartate Aminotransferase is an enzyme found mostly in the heart and liver, with smaller amounts in the kidney and muscles. Elevated levels are often associated with liver damage. 

• Bilirubin, Total: this is a measure of bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin is an orange-yellowish waste product produced from the breakdown of heme which is a component of hemoglobin found in red blood cells. The liver is responsible for removal of bilirubin from the body. 

• Bun/Creatinine Ratio: this is a ratio between your Urea Nitrogen (BUN) result and Creatinine result.  

• Calcium: this is a measurement of calcium in your blood. Calcium is the most abundant and one of the most important minerals in the body as it essential for proper nerve, muscle, and heart function. 

• Calcium: is used for blood clot formation and the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth. 

• Carbon Dioxide: this is a measure of carbon dioxide in your blood. Carbon dioxide is a negatively charged electrolyte that works with other electrolytes such as chloride, potassium, and sodium to regulate the body’s acid-base balance and fluid levels.  

• Chloride: this is a measure of Chloride in your blood. Chloride is a negatively charged electrolyte that works with other electrolytes such as potassium and sodium to regulate the body’s acid-base balance and fluid levels. 

• Creatinine: this is a measure of Creatinine levels in your blood. Creatinine is created from the breakdown of creatine in your muscles and is removed from your body by the kidneys. Elevated creatinine levels are often associated with kidney damage. 

• Egfr African American: this is a measure of how well your kidneys are functioning. Glomeruli are tiny filters in your kidneys that filter out waste products from your blood for removal while retaining important substances such as nutrients and blood cells. 

• Egfr Non-Afr. American: this is a measure of how well your kidneys are functioning. Glomeruli are tiny filters in your kidneys that filter out waste products from your blood for removal while retaining important substances such as nutrients and blood cells. 

• Globulin: this is a measure of all blood proteins in your blood that are not albumin. 

• Glucose: this is a measure of glucose in your blood. Glucose is created from the breakdown of carbohydrates during digestion and is the body’s primary source of energy. 

• Potassium: this is a measure of Potassium in your blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that plays a vital role in cell metabolism, nerve and muscle function, and transport of nutrients into cells and removal of wastes products out of cells. 

• Protein, Total: this is a measure of total protein levels in your blood. 
  Sodium: this is a measure of Sodium in your blood. Sodium is an electrolyte that plays a vital role in nerve and muscle function. 

• Sodium: this is a measure of sodium in your blood's serum. Sodium is a vital mineral for nerve and muscle cell function.

• Urea Nitrogen (Bun): this is a measure of Urea Nitrogen in your blood, also known as Blood UreaNitrogen (BUN). Urea is a waste product created in the liver when proteins are broken down into amino acids. Elevated levels are often associated with kidney damage. 

Lab tests often ordered with a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test: 

• Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets
• Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity
• Lipid Panel
• Vitamin B12 and Folate
• Prothrombin with INR and Partial Thromboplastin Times
• Sed Rate (ESR)
• C-Reactive Protein

Conditions where a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test is recommended: 

A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) test can assist in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions or diseases, including:

1. Liver Diseases: The CMP helps identify liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver damage due to alcohol abuse or medication toxicity.

2. Kidney Diseases: Abnormalities in kidney function markers on the CMP test can indicate conditions like chronic kidney disease, kidney infections, or kidney stones.

3. Diabetes or Glucose Imbalances: The CMP provides crucial information on blood glucose levels, aiding in the diagnosis and management of diabetes or identifying glucose imbalances.

4. Electrolyte Imbalances: Abnormal levels of electrolytes detected by the CMP can indicate conditions such as dehydration, kidney dysfunction, or hormonal disorders.

Commonly Asked Questions: 

How does my health care provider use a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test? 

Health care providers use the results of a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) test to:

1. Diagnose Medical Conditions: Abnormalities in CMP test results can help healthcare providers diagnose various conditions such as liver disease, kidney dysfunction, diabetes, or electrolyte imbalances.

2. Monitor Treatment Effectiveness: Regular CMP tests allow healthcare providers to monitor the impact of treatments or medications on organ function, glucose control, or electrolyte balance.

3. Evaluate Overall Health: The CMP test provides a comprehensive snapshot of the patient's metabolic state and aids in evaluating overall health, identifying potential risk factors, and guiding further investigations if necessary.

By effectively utilizing the results of a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) test, healthcare providers can diagnose conditions, monitor treatment progress, and make informed decisions regarding patient care and management.

What do my Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test results mean? 

The results of the tests included in the CMP are usually analyzed together to look for patterns. A single abnormal test result may indicate something different than a series of abnormal test findings. A high result on one of the liver enzyme tests, for example, is not the same as a high result on several liver enzyme tests. 

Several sets of CMPs, frequently performed on various days, may be examined to gain insights into the underlying disease and response to treatment, especially in hospitalized patients. 

Out-of-range findings for any of the CMP tests can be caused by a variety of illnesses, including kidney failure, breathing issues, and diabetes-related complications, to name a few. If any of the results are abnormal, one or more follow-up tests are usually ordered to help determine the reason and/or establish a diagnosis. 

Is there anything else I should know? 

A wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications can have an impact on the results of the CMP's components. Any medications you're taking should be disclosed to your healthcare professional. Similarly, it is critical to provide a thorough history because many other circumstances can influence how your results are interpreted. 

What's the difference between the CMP and the BMP tests, and why would my doctor choose one over the other? 

The CMP consists of 14 tests, while the basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a subset of those with eight tests. The liver (ALP, ALT, AST, and bilirubin) and protein (albumin and total protein) tests are not included. If a healthcare provider wants a more thorough picture of a person's organ function or to check for specific illnesses like diabetes or liver or kidney disease, he or she may prescribe a CMP rather than a BMP. 

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

Please note the following regarding BUN/Creatinine ratio: 

The lab does not report the calculation for the BUN/Creatinine Ratio unless one or both biomarkers’ results fall out of the published range. 

If you still wish to see the value, it's easy to calculate. Simply take your Urea Nitrogen (BUN) result and divide it by your Creatinine result.  

As an example, if your Urea Nitrogen result is 11 and your Creatinine result is 0.86, then you would divide 11 by 0.86 and get a BUN/Creatinine Ratio result of 12.79. 

Description: A Urinalysis complete test is a urine test that is used to screen for, diagnose, and monitor a variety of conditions and diseases urinary tract infections and kidney disorders.

Also Known As: Urine Test, Urine Analysis Test, UA Test, urine microscopic examination Test, Urinalysis Test, Complete Urinalysis Test

Collection Method: Urine Collection

Specimen Type: Urine

Test Preparation: No preparation required

Average Processing Time: 1 to 2 days

When is a Urinalysis Complete test ordered?

A urinalysis test may be ordered when a person undergoes a routine wellness examination, is admitted into a hospital, will have surgery, or is having a prenatal checkup.

When a person visits a doctor with symptoms of a urinary tract infection or another urinary system ailment, such as kidney disease, a urinalysis will almost certainly be prescribed. The following are some possible signs and symptoms:

• Pain in the abdomen
• Backache
• Urination that is painful or occurs frequently
• Urine with blood in it

Testing may also be conducted at regular intervals to track the progress of a condition.

What does a Urinalysis Complete test check for?

A urinalysis is a series of examinations done on urine that are physical, chemical, and microscopic. The tests identify and/or measure a number of elements in the urine, including cells, cellular fragments, and microbes. These elements include byproducts of healthy and unhealthy metabolism.

Urine is produced by the kidneys, two fist-sized organs located on either side of the spine near the base of the rib cage. The kidneys help the body regulate its water balance, filter wastes from the blood, and store proteins, electrolytes, and other molecules for later use. To get rid of everything unnecessary, urine travels from the kidneys to the ureters, bladder, and urethra before exiting the body. The color, amount, concentration, and content of urine will change slightly every time a person urinates due to the varied elements in urine, despite the fact that pee is normally yellow and clear.

By screening for components in the urine that aren't typically present and/or monitoring aberrant levels of specific substances, many illnesses can be caught early on. Glucose, bilirubin, protein, red and white blood cells, crystals, and germs are among examples. They could be present because of the following reasons:

• The body responds to an elevated amount of the substance in the blood by attempting to remove the excess through urine.
• There is a problem with the kidneys.
• As with bacteria and white blood cells, there is a urinary tract infection present.

Three separate phases make up a full urinalysis:

• The color and clarity of the urine are assessed using a visual examination.
• Chemical examination, which determines the concentration of urine and tests for roughly 9 chemicals that provide useful information about health and disease.
• Microscopic inspection that identifies and counts the different types of cells, casts, crystals, and other components found in urine, such as bacteria and mucus.

When abnormal results are found, or if a healthcare provider requests it, a microscopic analysis is usually performed.

It may be essential to repeat the test if the findings of a urinalysis are abnormal, and further other urine and blood tests may be needed to help establish a diagnosis, if the results are abnormal.

Lab tests often ordered with a Urinalysis Complete test:

• Complete Blood Count
• Iron Total and Total Iron binding capacity
• Hemoglobin A1c
• Lipid Panel
• CMP
• TSH
• Urine Culture
• Bilirubin Fractionated
• Glucose

Conditions where a Urinalysis Complete test is recommended:

• Diabetes
• Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease
• Hypertension
• Pregnancy
• Hematuria
• Proteinuria
• Kidney Stones

How does my health care provider use a Urinalysis Complete test?

A urinalysis is a series of tests that can diagnose a variety of disorders. It can be used to screen for and/or diagnose a variety of illnesses, including urinary tract infections, renal abnormalities, liver diseases, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders, to name a few.

Urinalysis may be used in conjunction with other tests, such as urine albumin, to monitor the progress of treatment in patients with diseases or conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.

What do my urinalysis complete test results mean?

There are numerous ways to interpret the results of a urinalysis. Unusual results are a warning sign that something isn't right and needs further testing.  To connect the urinalysis results with an individual's symptoms and clinical findings and to look for the causes of aberrant findings, other targeted tests must be done, such as a complete blood count, metabolic panel, or urine culture.

It is more likely that a problem must be addressed the higher the concentration of the atypical component, such as noticeably increased levels of protein, glucose, or red blood cells. On the other hand, the outcomes do not inform the medical professional as to what led to the finding or whether it is a transient or ongoing sickness.

A normal urinalysis does not rule out the possibility of disease. Early in a disease process, some persons will not release elevated amounts of a drug, and others will release them irregularly throughout the day, which means they could be overlooked by a single urine sample. Small amounts of substances may be undetectable in very dilute urine.

NOTE: Only measurable biomarkers will be reported.

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

Description: A Urinalysis complete test is a urine test that is used to screen for, diagnose, and monitor a variety of conditions and diseases urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney disorders.

A Urine Culture test is a test that is used to identify bacteria or foreign organisms in urine and test for antibiotic susceptibilities.

Also Known As: Urine Test, Urine Analysis Test, UA Test, urine microscopic examination, Urine Culture Test, Urine Culture and Sensitivity test, Urine C and S test, UTI test, Culture Urine test

Collection Method: Urine Collection

Specimen Type: Urine

Test Preparation: No preparation required

Average Processing Time: 1 to 2 days

IMPORTANT - If initial testing results in a Reflex to Culture, the lab will add and charge for Culture, Urine, Routine #395 for $29.

If you need just a Urinalysis, Complete test, order Urinalysis (UA), Complete #5463

Culture, Urine, Routine #395 can Reflex to additional testing and charges, detailed below, if Culture is positive.

If culture is positive, CPT code(s): 87088 (each isolate) will be added with an additional charge.  Identification will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87077 or 87140 or 87143 or 87147 or 87149).

Antibiotic susceptibilities are only performed when appropriate (CPT code(s): 87181 or 87184 or 87185 or 87186).

• ORG ID 1. $ 12.45 
• ORG ID 2. $ 23.95 
• PRESUMPTIVE ID 1. $ 12.45 
• PRESUMPTIVE ID 2. $ 23.95 
• SUSC-1  $14.95 
• SUSC-2  $28.95

When is a Urinalysis with Reflex to Culture test ordered?

A urinalysis test may be ordered when a person undergoes a routine wellness examination, is admitted into a hospital, will have surgery, or is having a prenatal checkup.

When a person visits a doctor with symptoms of a urinary tract infection or another urinary system ailment, such as kidney disease, a urinalysis will almost certainly be prescribed. The following are some possible signs and symptoms:

• Pain in the abdomen
• Backache
• Urination that is painful or occurs frequently
• Urine with blood in it

Testing may also be conducted at regular intervals to track the progress of a condition.

A urine culture may be administered in conjunction with a urinalysis or as a follow-up to abnormal urinalysis results.

Urinary tract infections can cause pressure in the lower abdomen as well as small quantities of blood in the urine. If the UTI is severe and/or has gone to the kidneys, it can cause symptoms such as flank pain, high fever, trembling, chills, nausea, and vomiting.

For young women with signs or symptoms of a UTI and an uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection, antibiotics may be administered without obtaining a urine culture. A urine culture is advised if there is a suspicion of a complex infection or if symptoms do not respond to first treatment.

Pregnant women without symptoms should be examined for bacteria in their urine during their first trimester or first prenatal appointment, as bacteria in the urine can harm the growing baby's health.

What does a Urinalysis with Reflex to Urine Culture test check for?

A urinalysis is a series of examinations done on urine that are physical, chemical, and microscopic. The tests identify and/or measure a number of elements in the urine, including cells, cellular fragments, and microbes. These elements include byproducts of healthy and unhealthy metabolism.

Urine is produced by the kidneys, two fist-sized organs located on either side of the spine near the base of the rib cage. The kidneys help the body regulate its water balance, filter wastes from the blood, and store proteins, electrolytes, and other molecules for later use. To get rid of everything unnecessary, urine travels from the kidneys to the ureters, bladder, and urethra before exiting the body. The color, amount, concentration, and content of urine will change slightly every time a person urinates due to the varied elements in urine, despite the fact that pee is normally yellow and clear.

By screening for components in the urine that aren't typically present and/or monitoring aberrant levels of specific substances, many illnesses can be caught early on. Glucose, bilirubin, protein, red and white blood cells, crystals, and germs are among examples. They could be present because of the following reasons:

• The body responds to an elevated amount of the substance in the blood by attempting to remove the excess through urine.
• There is a problem with the kidneys.
• As with bacteria and white blood cells, there is a urinary tract infection present.

Three separate phases make up a full urinalysis:

• The color and clarity of the urine are assessed using a visual examination.
• Chemical examination, which determines the concentration of urine and tests for roughly 9 chemicals that provide useful information about health and disease.
• Microscopic inspection that identifies and counts the different types of cells, casts, crystals, and other components found in urine, such as bacteria and mucus.

When abnormal results are found, or if a healthcare provider requests it, a microscopic analysis is usually performed.

It may be essential to repeat the test if the findings of a urinalysis are abnormal, and further other urine and blood tests may be needed to help establish a diagnosis, if the results are abnormal.

Urine culture is a test that detects and identifies bacteria and yeast in the urine that could be the source of a urinary tract infection.

A small amount of urine is placed on one or more agar plates and incubated at body temperature for a urine culture. Any bacteria or yeast present in the urine sample will grow into little circular colonies during the next 24 to 48 hours. The number of colonies and the size, shape, and color of these colonies assist identify which bacteria are present in the urine sample, and the number of colonies shows the amount of bacteria that were initially present in the urine sample. A laboratory technician counts the total number of colonies on the agar plate and determines how many types have grown. If a good, clean catch sample was taken for the test, the only bacteria found should be from an infection. Typically, there will be only one variety of bacterium present in relatively significant quantities. More than one type of bacteria may be present at any given time. This could be the result of a multi-pathogen infection, although it's more likely owing to contamination from the skin picked up during the urine collection.

A gram stain will be performed on a colony from each type by the laboratory technician. The bacteria are examined under a microscope by the laboratory technician. Different species of bacteria will have distinct colors and forms. Under a microscope, the bacterium Escherichia coli, which is responsible for the majority of urinary tract infections, will appear as gram-negative rods. Lactobacillus, a frequent vaginal contaminant found in women's urine, will show up as gram-positive rods. Some bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, are easy to detect by a skilled lab technician, are nonpathogenic, and do not require additional research. Others, such as gram-negative rods, represent clusters of identical bacteria that will necessitate extra testing to determine which bacteria are present.

After 24 to 48 hours of incubation, if there is no or little growth on the agar, the urine culture is declared negative for pathogens and the culture is complete. If one or more pathogens are found, more testing is done. Testing is performed to determine which bacteria are present, as well as susceptibility testing to determine which antibiotics are most likely to cure the infection.

Lab tests often ordered with a Urinalysis with Reflex to Culture test:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Iron and Total Iron Capacity
• Hemoglobin A1c
• Lipid Panel
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
• TSH
• Bilirubin Fractionated
• Glucose
• C-Reactive Protein
• ANA
• Rheumatoid Factor

Conditions where a Urinalysis with Reflex to Culture test is recommended:

• Diabetes
• Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease
• Hypertension
• Pregnancy
• Hematuria
• Urinary Tract Infection

How does my health care provider use a Urinalysis with Reflex to Culture test?

A urinalysis is a series of tests that can diagnose a variety of disorders. It can be used to screen for and/or diagnose a variety of illnesses, including urinary tract infections, renal abnormalities, liver diseases, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders, to name a few.

Urinalysis may be used in conjunction with other tests, such as urine albumin, to monitor the progress of treatment in patients with diseases or conditions like diabetes or kidney disease.

The urine culture is often used to diagnose a urinary tract infection and to identify the bacteria or yeast that is causing it. It can be used in conjunction with susceptibility testing to discover which drugs will stop the infection-causing bacterium from growing. The findings will aid a doctor in determining which treatments are most likely to be beneficial in treating a patient's infection.

The kidneys, a pair of bean-shaped organs positioned near the bottom of the ribcage on the right and left sides of the back, produce urine. To transport wastes out of the body, the kidneys filter waste from the blood and generate urine, a yellow fluid. Urine goes from the kidneys to the bladder, where it is briefly stored, and then via the urethra to be emptied. Urine is normally sterile, but bacteria or, more rarely, yeast can migrate up the urinary tract from the skin outside the urethra and produce a urinary tract infection.

The majority of UTIs are considered simple and treatable. The infection may spread up through the ureters and into the kidneys if they are not treated. A kidney infection is more hazardous and can result in renal damage that is irreversible. In some situations, a urinary tract infection can escalate to a life-threatening infection in the bloodstream.

People with renal disease or other illnesses that impact the kidneys, such as diabetes or kidney stones, as well as people with compromised immune systems, may be more susceptible to UTIs.

What do my Urinalysis test results mean?

There are numerous ways to interpret the results of a urinalysis. Unusual results are a warning sign that something isn't right and needs further testing.  To connect the urinalysis results with an individual's symptoms and clinical findings and to look for the causes of aberrant findings, other targeted tests must be done, such as a complete blood count, metabolic panel, or urine culture.

It is more likely that a problem must be addressed the higher the concentration of the atypical component, such as noticeably increased levels of protein, glucose, or red blood cells. On the other hand, the outcomes do not inform the medical professional as to what led to the finding or whether it is a transient or ongoing sickness.

A normal urinalysis does not rule out the possibility of disease. Early in a disease process, some persons will not release elevated amounts of a drug, and others will release them irregularly throughout the day, which means they could be overlooked by a single urine sample. Small amounts of substances may be undetectable in very dilute urine.

What do my Urine Culture test results mean?

Urine culture results are frequently interpreted in conjunction with urinalysis results, as well as how the sample was taken and whether symptoms are present. Because certain urine samples may contain bacteria that are ordinarily found on the skin, some culture results must be interpreted with caution.

A positive urine culture is usually defined as the presence of a single kind of bacteria growing at high colony counts. Cultures containing more than 100,000 CFU/mL of one species of bacteria in clean catch samples that have been correctly collected usually indicate infection. Even if an infection is present, there may not be a large number of germs present in some circumstances. Lower levels can sometimes suggest infection, particularly if symptoms are present. Similarly, values of 1,000 to 100,000 CFU/mL may be deemed significant for samples acquired using a technique that reduces contamination, such as a sample collected with a catheter.

Although UTIs can be caused by a variety of bacteria, the majority are caused by Escherichia coli, a kind of bacteria that is widespread in the digestive tract and frequently detected in stool. Proteus, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus are among the bacteria that can cause UTIs. A yeast infection, such as Candida albicans, can cause a UTI, but urethritis is more commonly caused by a sexually transmitted illness, such as herpes, chlamydia, or gonorrhea.

When a culture says "no growth in 24 or 48 hours," it usually means there isn't an infection. If the symptoms persist, a urine culture on a new sample may be performed to test for bacteria with reduced colony numbers or other microorganisms that could be causing the symptoms. Acute urethral syndrome is defined as the presence of white blood cells and low quantities of bacteria in a sick person's urine.

If multiple different species of bacteria thrive in a culture, the growth is almost certainly due to contamination. This is notably true in urine samples containing Lactobacillus and/or other prevalent nonpathogenic vaginal bacteria in women. If the symptoms persist, the healthcare provider may order a second culture on a more thoroughly collected sample. However, if one species of bacteria has considerably larger colony counts than the others, such as 100,000 CFUs/mL versus 1,000 CFUs/mL, further testing to determine the dominating bacterium may be required.

Susceptibility testing may be used to guide treatment if a culture is positive. Any bacterial infection can be dangerous and, if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body. Pain is frequently the first sign of infection. Treatment as soon as possible, generally with antibiotics, will help to relieve the pain.

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

NOTE: Only measurable biomarkers will be reported.

Description: The Beta 2 Microglobulin test is a blood test used to detect the protein Beta-2 Microglobulin in your blood’s serum, and is used in the examination of multiple myeloma and lymphoma.

Also Known As: B2M Test, β2-Microglobulin Test, Thymotaxin Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

Average Processing Time: 1 to 2 days

When is a Beta-2 Microglobulin test ordered?

This test may be requested during the initial examination of a patient with multiple myeloma in order to stage the condition as well as on an ongoing basis to assess disease activity and track the efficacy of treatment. When a person has myeloma or lymphoma, it may occasionally be requested to help evaluate their prognosis.

What does a Beta-2 Microglobulin test check for?

Almost every cell in the body has beta-2 microglobulin on its surface. Cells, notably B lymphocytes and tumor cells, release this protein into the blood. It is found in the majority of bodily fluids, and when the immune system is stimulated or when cell creation and/or destruction are increased, its level rises.

With tumors like multiple myeloma and lymphoma, as well as with inflammatory conditions and infections, B2M is typically high in the blood. B2M may be useful as a tumor marker because it is elevated in blood cell malignancies. This page concentrates on its usage as a tumor marker, despite the fact that it can be used to evaluate kidney function.

Blood cell malignancies that have migrated to the brain, such lymphoma, as well as some chronic diseases like multiple sclerosis and viral infections like HIV can cause a rise in the B2M level in the CSF of affected individuals.

Lab tests often ordered with a Beta-2 Microglobulin test:

• Albumin
• Tumor Markers

Conditions where a Beta-2 Microglobulin test is recommended:

• Cancer
• Multiple Myeloma
• Lymphoma

How does my health care provider use a Beta-2 Microglobulin test?

On the surface of almost every cell in the body is beta-2 microglobulin. This protein is released into the blood by cells, particularly B lymphocytes and tumor cells. The majority of body fluids contain it, and its level increases when the immune system is activated or when cell formation and/or destruction are elevated.

B2M is generally elevated in the blood with cancers such multiple myeloma and lymphoma, as well as with inflammatory diseases and infections. Due to the fact that B2M is raised in blood cell malignancies, it may be useful as a tumor marker. Despite the fact that it can be used to assess kidney function, this page focuses on its use as a tumor marker.

A spike in the B2M level in the CSF of affected people can be brought on by blood cell malignancies that have spread to the brain, including lymphoma, as well as some chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis and viral infections like HIV.

What do my Beta-2 Microglobulin test results mean?

Increased levels of B2M in the blood and/or urine point to a problem but do not serve as a diagnosis for any particular illness or condition. They do, however, represent the level of cancer present and the severity of the disease. If the B2M level is highly raised, someone who has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma or lymphoma is likely to have a worse prognosis.

When multiple myeloma is being treated, a patient's levels should gradually decline over time to show whether the patient is improving. Levels that are stable or rising suggest that the subject is not responding.

Increases in the CSF in a person with an illness like HIV/AIDS suggest that the central nervous system is probably involved.

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

Description: A BUN/Creatinine ratio test is a blood test that measures levels of Urea Nitrogen and Creatinine in your blood and is useful in the diagnosis of renal disease.

Also Known As: Urea Nitrogen and Creatinine Ratio test, BUN test, Urea test, Urea Nitrogen test, Creat test, Blood Creatinine Test, Serum Creatinine Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When is a BUN Creatinine Ratio test ordered?

BUN is a component of the BMP and CMP, two categories of widely-used tests:

• as part of a regular health examination
• prior to beginning the use of specific pharmacological therapy, determine how well the kidneys are functioning.
• When a patient who is critically ill visits the emergency room or is admitted to the hospital

When kidney problems are suspected during a hospital stay, BUN is frequently ordered along with creatinine or a renal panel. Kidney dysfunction can show several indications and symptoms, such as:

• fatigue, inability to focus, poor appetite, or difficulty sleeping
• Swelling or puffiness, especially in the face, wrists, abdomen, thighs, or ankles or around the eyes
• Foamy, bloody, or coffee-colored urine
• a reduction in the urine's volume
• problems urinating, such as a burning sensation or an unusual discharge, or a change in frequency, particularly at night
• discomfort in the middle of the back, below the ribs, and next to the kidneys
• elevated blood pressure

BUN may also be required for:

• Patients with long-term illnesses or conditions like diabetes, congestive heart failure, and myocardial infarction should have regular kidney function checks.
• monitoring renal function and treatment at frequent intervals in individuals with known kidney disease
• Monitoring kidney function both before and after taking specific medications
• When a CT scan is anticipated, furthermore to a creatinine
• periodically to check on the efficiency of the dialysis

During a health examination, a routine metabolic panel that includes creatinine may be ordered. It might be prescribed if a patient is critically ill or if a doctor has reason to believe that their kidneys aren't functioning properly. Kidney dysfunction can show several indications and symptoms, such as:

• fatigue, inability to focus, poor appetite, or difficulty sleeping
• Swelling or puffiness, especially in the face, wrists, abdomen, thighs, or ankles, or around the eyes
• Foamy, bloody, or coffee-colored urine
• a reduction in the urine's volume
• problems urinating, such as a burning sensation or an unusual discharge, or a change in frequency, particularly at night
• discomfort in the middle of the back, below the ribs, and next to the kidneys
• elevated blood pressure

When a person has a known kidney ailment or a condition that could impair kidney function, a creatinine blood test may be prescribed along with a BUN test, urine albumin, and other tests on a regular basis. When a CT scan is anticipated, before and throughout some medication regimens, as well as before and after dialysis, both BUN and creatinine may be requested to check the efficacy of treatments.

What does a BUN Creatinine Ratio test check for?

When protein is broken down into its constituent parts in the liver, urea is produced as a waste product. Ammonia is created during this process, and it is later changed into the less harmful waste product urea. This examination counts the urea nitrogen levels in the blood.

Ammonia and urea both contain nitrogen as an ingredient. Because urea contains nitrogen and because the body excretes excess nitrogen via urea/urea nitrogen, the terms urea and urea nitrogen are sometimes used interchangeably. The liver releases urea into the blood, which travels to the kidneys where it is removed from the circulation and discharged as urine. Since this is a continuous process, urea nitrogen levels in the blood are typically low and steady.

The majority of illnesses or ailments that affect the liver or kidneys have the potential to have an impact on the blood's urea content. Urea concentrations in the blood will increase if the liver produces more urea or if the kidneys are not functioning properly and are having trouble removing wastes from the blood. BUN values may decrease if severe liver illness or injury prevents the synthesis of urea.

Muscles release creatinine as a waste product after breaking down a substance called creatine. The kidneys eliminate creatinine from the body by filtering nearly all of it from the blood and releasing it into the urine. The creatinine level in the blood and/or urine is determined by this test.

The process that creates the energy required to contract muscles includes creatine. The body produces both creatine and creatinine at a fairly steady rate. Blood levels are typically a good indication of how well the kidneys are functioning since the kidneys filter almost all of the creatinine from the blood and release it into the urine. The amount created is influenced by a person's size and muscular mass. As a result, men's creatinine levels will be a little bit greater than those of women and children.

Calculations that are used to assess kidney function can be done using data from a blood creatinine test in conjunction with data from other tests, including a 24-hour urine creatinine test.

Lab tests often ordered with a BUN Creatinine Ratio test:

• Urine Protein
• eGFR
• Creatinine Clearance
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
• Basic Metabolic Panel
• Cystatin C
• Renal Panel
• Urinalysis
• Microalbumin
• Beta-2 Microglobin

Conditions where a BUN Creatinine Ratio test is recommended:

• Kidney Disease
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Proteinuria

How does my health care provider use a BUN Creatinine Ratio test?

The creatinine test and blood urea nitrogen tests are primarily used to assess kidney function under various conditions, aid in the diagnosis of kidney illness, and keep track of persons who have either acute or chronic renal failure or dysfunction. When requested as a component of a renal panel, basic metabolic panel, or comprehensive metabolic panel, it may also be used to assess a person's overall health state.

When protein is digested in the liver, urea is produced as a waste product. The liver releases urea into the blood, which travels to the kidneys where it is removed from the circulation and discharged as urine. Since this is a continuous process, urea nitrogen levels in the blood are typically low and steady. However, the level of urea in the blood will increase if the kidneys become diseased or damaged and are unable to remove waste products from the blood.

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs that are situated on the right and left sides of the back at the base of the ribcage. They include around a million nephrons, which are very small blood filtering organs. Blood is continuously filtered via a glomerulus, a tiny collection of looping blood arteries, in each nephron. Water and tiny molecules can pass through the glomerulus, while blood cells and bigger molecules are retained. Each glomerulus has a little tube attached to it that gathers the fluid and molecules that flow through it and reabsorbs what the body can use. Urine is created by the leftover waste.

Creatinine and BUN tests may be performed to monitor for renal dysfunction and the efficacy of treatment if the results are abnormal or if a person has an underlying condition known to impact the kidneys, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Before some procedures, such a CT scan, that can call for the use of medications that can harm the kidneys, such as creatinine and BUN tests in the blood may also be prescribed to assess renal function.

What do my BUN Creatinine Ratio test results mean?

BUN levels that are higher indicate poor renal health. This could be brought on by failure, injury, or acute or chronic renal disease. A condition that reduces blood flow to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure, shock, stress, a recent heart attack, or serious burns, as well as conditions that impede urine flow or dehydration, may also be to blame.

When there is excessive protein breakdown, a considerable rise in the amount of protein in the diet, or gastrointestinal bleeding, BUN values may be increased.

Low BUN levels are rare and typically not reason for alarm. The BUN test is not typically used to diagnose or monitor these disorders, but they may appear in severe liver illness, malnutrition, and occasionally when a person is overhydrated.

BUN values may be normal even in the presence of substantial malfunction in the other kidney if one kidney is fully functional.

Blood creatinine levels that are higher than normal point to renal disease or other disorders that have an impact on kidney function. These may consist of:

For instance, infections or autoimmune illnesses can cause kidney blood vessels to enlarge or become damaged.

• infection of the kidneys with bacteria
• death of kidney cells brought on by chemicals or medications, for instance, in the tiny tubes of the kidneys
• Urinary tract obstruction can be brought on by prostate disease, kidney stones, or other conditions.
• reduced renal blood flow brought on by shock, dehydration, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, or diabetes-related problems

Although they are uncommon, low blood creatinine levels are often not a cause for alarm. They can be observed in diseases that cause a loss of muscular mass.

As part of a creatinine clearance test, 24-hour urine creatinine levels are compared to blood levels.

There are no established reference ranges for single, random urine creatinine values. They are typically used in conjunction with other exams to compare levels of other chemicals detected in urine. The urine albumin test, the urine albumin/creatinine ratio, and the urine protein test are a few examples.

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

Chromogranin A, LC/MS/MS - Chromogranin-A (CgA) is an acidic glycoprotein expressed in the secretory granules of most normal and neoplastic neuroendocrine (NE) cell types, where it is released together with peptide hormones and biogenic amines. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a form of cancer that differ from other neoplasia in that they synthesize, store, and secrete peptides, e.g., CgA and amines. CgA is secreted from neuroendocrine-derived tumors including foregut, midgut and hindgut gastrointestinal NETs, pheochromocytomas, neuroblastomas, medullary thyroid carcinomas, some pituitary tumors, functioning and non-functioning pancreatic NETs.
Significantly elevated CgA levels have been found in patients with other diseases, such as impaired renal function, untreated benign essential hypertension, gastritis, prostatic carcinoma, and hyperparathyroidism. The best-characterized circulating biomarker that identifies NETs in general is CgA. Monitoring blood CgA levels may effectively provide information that is helpful in delineating tumor burden and rate of tumor growth, predicting tumor response to therapy and providing some indication as to prognosis.

Description: A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is a common laboratory test that provides valuable insights into a patient's overall health and helps detect potential blood disorders or abnormalities. It examines the three major components of blood: red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. By measuring various parameters related to these blood cells, the CBC test offers essential information for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning.

Also Known As: CBC test, Complete Blood Count Test, Total Blood Count Test, CBC with Differential and Platelets test, Hemogram test  

Collection Method: Blood Draw 

Specimen Type: Whole Blood 

Test Preparation: No preparation required 

Average Processing Time: 1 to 2 days

When is a Complete Blood Count test ordered?  

A CBC test may be ordered in various situations. These include:

1. Routine Check-ups: Doctors often include a CBC test as part of routine check-ups to assess overall health and screen for any underlying blood-related conditions.

2. Evaluation of Symptoms: When a patient presents with unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, bruising, or excessive bleeding, a CBC test can help identify potential causes or abnormalities.

3. Monitoring Chronic Conditions: Patients with chronic conditions like anemia, infections, autoimmune disorders, or blood-related diseases require regular CBC tests to monitor their condition, track treatment effectiveness, and adjust therapies accordingly.

4. Pre-Surgical Assessment: Prior to surgery or invasive medical procedures, doctors order CBC tests to evaluate a patient's blood cell counts and ensure their ability to handle the procedure safely.

What does a Complete Blood Count test check for? 

The complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that determines the number of cells in circulation. White blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets (PLTs) are three types of cells suspended in a fluid called plasma. They are largely created and matured in the bone marrow and are released into the bloodstream when needed under normal circumstances. 

A CBC is mainly performed with an automated machine that measures a variety of factors, including the number of cells present in a person's blood sample. The findings of a CBC can reveal not only the quantity of different cell types but also the physical properties of some of the cells. 

Significant differences in one or more blood cell populations may suggest the presence of one or more diseases. Other tests are frequently performed to assist in determining the reason for aberrant results. This frequently necessitates visual confirmation via a microscope examination of a blood smear. A skilled laboratory technician can assess the appearance and physical features of blood cells, such as size, shape, and color, and note any anomalies. Any extra information is taken note of and communicated to the healthcare provider. This information provides the health care provider with further information about the cause of abnormal CBC results. 

The CBC focuses on three different types of cells: 

WBCs (White Blood Cells) 

The body uses five different types of WBCs, also known as leukocytes, to keep itself healthy and battle infections and other types of harm. The five different leukocytes are eosinophiles, lymphocytes, neutrophiles, basophils, and monocytes. They are found in relatively steady numbers in the blood. Depending on what is going on in the body, these values may momentarily rise or fall. An infection, for example, can cause the body to manufacture more neutrophils in order to combat bacterial infection. The amount of eosinophils in the body may increase as a result of allergies. A viral infection may cause an increase in lymphocyte production. Abnormal (immature or mature) white cells multiply fast in certain illness situations, such as leukemia, raising the WBC count. 

RBCs (Red Blood Cells) 

The bone marrow produces red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, which are transferred into the bloodstream after maturing. Hemoglobin, a protein that distributes oxygen throughout the body, is found in these cells. Because RBCs have a 120-day lifespan, the bone marrow must constantly manufacture new RBCs to replace those that have aged and disintegrated or have been lost due to hemorrhage. A variety of diseases, including those that cause severe bleeding, can alter the creation of new RBCs and their longevity. 

The CBC measures the number of RBCs and hemoglobin in the blood, as well as the proportion of RBCs in the blood (hematocrit), and if the RBC population appears to be normal. RBCs are generally homogeneous in size and shape, with only minor differences; however, considerable variances can arise in illnesses including vitamin B12 and folate inadequacy, iron deficiency, and a range of other ailments. Anemia occurs when the concentration of red blood cells and/or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood falls below normal, resulting in symptoms such as weariness and weakness. In a far smaller percentage of cases, there may be an excess of RBCs in the blood (erythrocytosis or polycythemia). This might obstruct the flow of blood through the tiny veins and arteries in extreme circumstances. 

Platelets 

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small cell fragments that aid in the regular clotting of blood. A person with insufficient platelets is more likely to experience excessive bleeding and bruises. Excess platelets can induce excessive clotting or excessive bleeding if the platelets are not operating properly. The platelet count and size are determined by the CBC. 

Lab tests often ordered with a Complete Blood Count test: 

• Reticulocytes
• Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity
• Basic Metabolic Panel
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
• Lipid Panel
• Vitamin B12 and Folate
• Prothrombin with INR and Partial Thromboplastin Times
• Sed Rate (ESR)
• C-Reactive Protein
• Epstein-Barr Virus
• Von Willebrand Factor Antigen

Conditions where a Complete Blood Count test is recommended: 

A CBC test can assist in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions or diseases, including:

1. Anemia: CBC helps identify different types of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, or autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

2. Infections: An abnormal CBC count can indicate the presence of an infection, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal. It provides information about the severity and type of infection.

3. Leukemia: CBC abnormalities may suggest the presence of certain blood cancers, including leukemia. Further tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

4. Inflammatory Disorders: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or vasculitis can cause changes in the CBC results, indicating ongoing inflammation or autoimmune processes.

Commonly Asked Questions: 

How does my health care provider use a Complete Blood Count test? 

Health care providers use the results of a CBC test to:

1. Confirm Diagnoses: Abnormal CBC findings help in diagnosing specific conditions or diseases, such as anemia, infections, blood disorders, or certain cancers.

2. Monitor Treatment Progress: Regular CBC tests allow doctors to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments or therapies and make necessary adjustments based on blood cell count improvements or changes.

3. Guide Further Investigations: If CBC results indicate abnormalities, doctors may recommend additional specialized tests or refer the patient to a hematologist or other relevant specialists for further evaluation and diagnosis.

By understanding the purpose, significance, and applications of a CBC test, patients and healthcare providers can utilize this valuable diagnostic tool to aid in the management of various health conditions and ensure optimal patient care.

What do my Complete Blood Count results mean? 

A low Red Blood Cell Count, also known as anemia, could be due many different causes such as chronic bleeding, a bone marrow disorder, and nutritional deficiency just to name a few. A high Red Blood Cell Count, also known as polycythemia, could be due to several conditions including lung disease, dehydration, and smoking. Both Hemoglobin and Hematocrit tend to reflect Red Blood Cell Count results, so if your Red Blood Cell Count is low, your Hematocrit and Hemoglobin will likely also be low. Results should be discussed with your health care provider who can provide interpretation of your results and determine the appropriate next steps or lab tests to further investigate your health. 

What do my Differential results mean? 

A low White Blood Cell count or low WBC count, also known as leukopenia, could be due to a number of different disorders including autoimmune issues, severe infection, and lymphoma. A high White Blood Cell count, or high WBC count, also known as leukocytosis, can also be due to many different disorders including infection, leukemia, and inflammation. Abnormal levels in your White Blood Cell Count will be reflected in one or more of your different white blood cells. Knowing which white blood cell types are affected will help your healthcare provider narrow down the issue. Results should be discussed with your health care provider who can provide interpretation of your results and determine the appropriate next steps or lab tests to further investigate your health. 

What do my Platelet results mean? 

A low Platelet Count, also known as thrombocytopenia, could be due to a number of different disorders including autoimmune issues, viral infection, and leukemia. A high Platelet Count, also known as Thrombocytosis, can also be due to many different disorders including cancer, iron deficiency, and rheumatoid arthritis. Results should be discussed with your health care provider who can provide interpretation of your results and determine the appropriate next steps or lab tests to further investigate your health. 

NOTE: Ulta Lab Tests provides CBC test results from Quest Diagnostics as they are reported. Often, different biomarker results are made available at different time intervals. When reporting the results, Ulta Lab Tests denotes those biomarkers not yet reported as 'pending' for every biomarker the test might report. Only biomarkers Quest Diagnostics observes are incorporated and represented in the final CBC test results provided by Ulta Lab Tests. 

NOTE: Only measurable biomarkers will be reported. Certain biomarkers do not appear in healthy individuals. 

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

Reflex Parameters for Manual Slide Review

CBC Reflex Pathway

Step 1 - The slide review is performed by qualified Laboratory staff and includes:

• Confirmation of differential percentages
• WBC and platelet estimates, when needed
• Full review of RBC morphology
• Comments for toxic changes, RBC inclusions, abnormal lymphs, and other
• significant findings
• If the differential percentages agree with the automated counts and no abnormal cells are seen, the automated differential is reported with appropriate comments

Step 2 - The slide review is performed by qualified Laboratory staff and includes: If any of the following are seen on the slide review, Laboratory staff will perform a manual differential:

• Immature, abnormal, or toxic cells
• nRBC’s
• Disagreement with automated differential
• Atypical/abnormal RBC morphology
• Any RBC inclusions

Step 3 - If any of the following are seen on the manual differential, a Pathologist will review the slide:

• WBC<1,500 with abnormal cells noted
• Blasts/immature cells, hairy cell lymphs, or megakaryocytes
• New abnormal lymphocytes or monocytes
• Variant or atypical lymphs >15%
• Blood parasites
• RBC morphology with 3+ spherocytes, RBC inclusions, suspect Hgb-C,
• crystals, Pappenheimer bodies or bizarre morphology
• nRBC’s

Description: A Creatinine test is a blood test that is used to evaluate the health of your kidneys and diagnose and monitor the treatment of kidney disease.

Also Known As: Create Test, Blood Creatinine Test, Serum Creatinine Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

Average Processing Time: 1 to 2 days

When is a Creatinine test ordered?

During a health assessment, creatinine may be requested as part of a complete or basic metabolic panel. It may be ordered if a person is seriously ill or if a doctor feels that their kidneys aren't functioning properly.

When someone has a known renal condition or a disease that may impact kidney function, a creatinine blood test, coupled with a BUN test and urine albumin, may be ordered at regular intervals. When a CT scan is planned, before to and during some medication therapy, and before and after dialysis, both BUN and creatinine may be requested to assess the effectiveness of treatments.

What does a Creatinine blood test check for?

Creatinine is a waste product created by muscles when a molecule called creatine is broken down. The kidneys eliminate creatinine from the body by filtering almost all of it from the blood and excreting it in the urine. The level of creatinine in the blood and/or urine is measured in this test.

Creatine is a component of the energy-producing cycle that allows muscles to contract. The body produces both creatine and creatinine at a roughly steady rate. Because the kidneys filter almost all creatinine from the blood and excrete it in the urine, blood levels are usually an excellent predictor of how well the kidneys are operating. The amount produced is determined by the person's size and muscular mass. As a result, men's creatinine levels will be slightly higher than women's and children's.

A blood creatinine test's results can be combined with those from other tests, such as a 24-hour urine creatinine test, to produce calculations that are used to assess kidney function.

Lab tests often ordered with a Creatinine test:

• BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
• Creatinine Clearance
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
• Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
• Urinalysis
• Microalbumin and Creatinine Ratio
• Cystatin C with eGFR
• Beta-2 Microglobulin
• Urine Protein

Conditions where a Creatinine test is recommended:

• Kidney Disease
• Diabetes
• Proteinuria
• Hypertension

How does my health care provider use a Creatinine test?

Kidney function is assessed with a creatinine blood test. It's usually requested in conjunction with a BUN test or as part of a basic or comprehensive metabolic panel, which consists of a series of tests designed to assess the operation of the body's primary organs. BMP or CMP tests are used to screen healthy persons during normal physical exams, as well as to help evaluate people who are acutely or chronically ill in the emergency room and/or hospital. Creatinine testing is sometimes done as part of a renal panel to assess kidney function.

Creatinine is a waste product created by muscles when a molecule called creatine is broken down. Because the kidneys filter almost all creatinine from the blood and discharge it into the urine, blood levels are usually an excellent predictor of how well the kidneys are operating.

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs placed on the right and left sides of the back at the bottom of the ribcage. Nephrons are a million microscopic blood filtering units found within them. Blood is continuously filtered by a small cluster of looping blood arteries called a glomerulus in each nephron. Water and tiny molecules flow through the glomerulus, but blood cells and bigger molecules are retained. Each glomerulus has a little tube attached to it that gathers the fluid and molecules that flow through it and then reabsorbs what the body can use. Urine is formed from the residual waste.

If the creatinine and BUN tests are abnormal, or if the patient has an underlying condition that affects the kidneys, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, creatinine and BUN tests may be used to monitor renal functionality and therapy effectiveness. Before some procedures, such as a CT scan, that may necessitate the use of medicines that can harm the kidneys, blood creatinine and BUN tests may be requested to assess renal function.

Creatinine test results can be utilized in calculations to determine renal function.

The estimated glomerular filtration rate, used as a screen to search for signs of early kidney damage, is calculated using blood creatinine readings, as well as age, weight, and sex.

What do my Creatinine test results mean?

Elevated creatinine levels in the blood indicate renal disease or other disorders affecting kidney function.

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

Description: A creatinine clearance test measures levels of creatinine in both blood (serum) and urine to assess the kidney function and how the volume of blood that is being filtered.

Also Known As: CRCL Test, CCT Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw and Urine Collection

Specimen Type: Serum and Urine

Test Preparation: No preparation required

Average Processing Time: 1 to 2 days

When is a Creatinine Clearance test ordered?

When a doctor wants to assess a patient's kidneys' capacity for filtration, they may order a creatinine clearance test. When a person, for instance, exhibits elevated blood creatinine concentrations on a typical chemical panel or protein in the urine on a typical urinalysis, it may be ordered as a follow-up test. When there is a suspicion of a kidney ailment due to certain signs and symptoms, it could be ordered.

These are some warning signs and symptoms of renal issues:

• Swelling or puffiness, especially in the face, wrists, abdomen, thighs, or ankles or around the eyes
• Foamy, bloody, or coffee-colored urine
• a reduction in the urine's volume
• problems urinating, such as a burning sensation or an unusual discharge, or a change in frequency, particularly at night
• discomfort in the middle of the back, below the ribs, and next to the kidneys
• elevated blood pressure
• pee with blood or protein in it

When it is known that a person has a renal problem or reduced blood supply to the kidneys as a result of a condition like congestive heart failure, the creatinine clearance may also be ordered on a regular basis.

What does a Creatinine Clearance test check for?

Muscles release creatinine as a waste product after breaking down a substance called creatine. The kidneys filter creatinine from the blood and release it into the urine. A creatinine clearance test assesses the levels of creatinine in both a blood sample and a urine sample from a 24-hour urine collection. The amount of creatinine that has been eliminated from the blood and excreted in the urine is determined using the findings. This calculation enables a broad assessment of the volume of blood that the kidneys filter over the course of a 24-hour period.

Creatinine production in the body is largely consistent for a person and is influenced by muscle mass. The kidneys' capacity to filter the blood as well as the rate at which blood is transported to the kidneys determine how much creatinine is excreted from the blood.

The glomerular filtration rate is the measure of how much blood the kidneys filter each minute. Less creatinine will be excreted in the urine and released into the blood in the presence of renal disease or damage, or if blood circulation is impeded. As a result, the GFR will fall.

GFR is challenging to directly measure. As a result, it is advised to compute estimated GFR by testing the blood's creatinine level and plugging the data into an algorithm. the formula that accounts for a number of variables, including the test subject's age, gender, and race.

Calculating creatinine clearance is an additional, less popular method of estimating GFR. There are various ways to calculate creatinine clearance. The measurement of the creatinine concentration in a blood sample taken just before or after the urine collection, the creatinine concentration in a 24-hour urine sample, and the 24-hour urine volume are all included. Some estimates also incorporate a correction factor that takes into consideration a person's body surface area because the amount of creatinine generated is dependent on muscle mass.

Lab tests often ordered with a Creatinine Clearance test:

• Creatinine
• eGFR
• Cystatin C
• Urinalysis
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
• Microalbumin

Conditions where a Creatinine Clearance test is recommended:

• Congestive Heart Failure
• Kidney Disease

How does my health care provider use a Creatinine Clearance test?

Kidney dysfunction may be identified and diagnosed with a creatinine clearance test. It could be applied as a follow-up to abnormal blood creatinine test and estimated glomerular filtration rate results.

When congestive heart failure is present, as might happen, a creatinine clearance may also be utilized to identify the existence of decreased blood flow to the kidneys.

The creatinine clearance test may be prescribed in cases of known chronic renal disease or congestive heart failure in order to track the development of the condition and gauge its severity. Moreover, it can be utilized to assist decide whether and when kidney dialysis could be required.

What do my Creatinine Clearance test results mean?

The presence of renal disease or other diseases that can impair kidney function may be indicated by a reduced creatinine clearance. They may consist of:

• For instance, infections or autoimmune illnesses can cause kidney blood vessels to enlarge or become damaged.
• infection of the kidneys with bacteria
• death of kidney cells brought on by chemicals or medications, for instance, in the tiny tubes of the kidneys
• Urinary tract obstruction can be brought on by prostate disease, kidney stones, or other conditions.
• reduced kidney blood flow brought on by shock, dehydration, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, or diabetes-related problems.

Although this test isn't commonly used to track these disorders, elevated creatinine clearance rates can occasionally be noticed during pregnancy, exercise, and with meals heavy in meat.

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

Description: A Creatinine Random Urine test is a urine test that is used to evaluate the health of your kidneys and diagnose and monitor the treatment of kidney disease.

Also Known As: Urine Create Test, Urine Creatinine Test, Random Urine Creatinine Test

Collection Method: Urine Collection

Specimen Type: Urine

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When is a Creatinine Random Urine test ordered?

During a health assessment, creatinine may be requested as part of a complete or basic metabolic panel. It may be ordered if a person is seriously ill or if a doctor feels that their kidneys aren't functioning properly.

When someone has a known renal condition or a disease that may impact kidney function, a creatinine blood test, coupled with a BUN test and urine albumin, may be ordered at regular intervals. When a CT scan is planned, before to and during some medication therapy, and before and after dialysis, both BUN and creatinine may be requested to assess the effectiveness of treatments.

What does a Creatinine Urine test check for?

Creatinine is a waste product created by muscles when a molecule called creatine is broken down. The kidneys eliminate creatinine from the body by filtering almost all of it from the blood and excreting it in the urine. The level of creatinine in the urine is measured in this test.

Creatine is a component of the energy-producing cycle that allows muscles to contract. The body produces both creatine and creatinine at a roughly steady rate. Because the kidneys filter almost all creatinine from the blood and excrete it in the urine, blood levels are usually an excellent predictor of how well the kidneys are operating. The amount produced is determined by the person's size and muscular mass. As a result, men's creatinine levels will be slightly higher than women's and children's.

A blood creatinine test's results can be combined with those from other tests, such as a 24-hour urine creatinine test, to produce calculations that are used to assess kidney function.

Lab tests often ordered with a Creatinine Random Urine test:

• BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
• Creatinine
• Creatinine Clearance
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
• Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
• Urinalysis
• Microalbumin and Creatinine Ratio
• Cystatin C with eGFR
• Beta-2 Microglobulin
• Urine Protein

Conditions where a Creatinine Random Urine test is recommended:

• Kidney Disease
• Diabetes
• Proteinuria
• Hypertension

How does my health care provider use a Creatinine Random Urine test?

Kidney function is assessed with a creatinine blood test. It's usually requested in conjunction with a BUN test or as part of a basic or comprehensive metabolic panel, which consists of a series of tests designed to assess the operation of the body's primary organs. BMP or CMP tests are used to screen healthy persons during normal physical exams, as well as to help evaluate people who are acutely or chronically ill in the emergency room and/or hospital. Creatinine testing is sometimes done as part of a renal panel to assess kidney function.

Creatinine is a waste product created by muscles when a molecule called creatine is broken down. Because the kidneys filter almost all creatinine from the blood and discharge it into the urine, blood levels are usually an excellent predictor of how well the kidneys are operating.

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs placed on the right and left sides of the back at the bottom of the ribcage. Nephrons are a million microscopic blood filtering units found within them. Blood is continuously filtered by a small cluster of looping blood arteries called a glomerulus in each nephron. Water and tiny molecules flow through the glomerulus, but blood cells and bigger molecules are retained. Each glomerulus has a little tube attached to it that gathers the fluid and molecules that flow through it and then reabsorbs what the body can use. Urine is formed from the residual waste.

If the creatinine and BUN tests are abnormal, or if the patient has an underlying condition that affects the kidneys, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, creatinine and BUN tests may be used to monitor renal functionality and therapy effectiveness. Before some procedures, such as a CT scan, that may necessitate the use of medicines that can harm the kidneys, blood creatinine and BUN tests may be requested to assess renal function.

Creatinine test results can be utilized in calculations to determine renal function.

The estimated glomerular filtration rate, used as a screen to search for signs of early kidney damage, is calculated using blood creatinine readings, as well as age, weight, and sex.

What do my Creatinine Random Urine test results mean?

Elevated creatinine levels in the urine indicate renal disease or other disorders affecting kidney function.

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

Description: The Cystatin C blood test is used to determine kidney health by measuring levels of the protein Cystatin C.

Also Known As: CysX Test, CysC Test, Cystatin C Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

Average Processing Time: 4 to 5 days

When is a Cystatin C test ordered?

Studies are confirming and defining the utility of cystatin C, particularly as an early, sensitive diagnostic for chronic kidney disease. It may be requested if a person has a known or suspected condition that affects or may influence kidney function and reduces the glomerular filtration rate, which is the rate at which the kidneys filter pollutants from the blood.

It may be ordered if a healthcare provider is dissatisfied with the results of previous tests, such as a creatinine or creatinine clearance, or wants to check for early renal dysfunction, especially in the elderly or unwell babies, and/or wants to track known impairment over time.

The study of cystatin C as a predictor of end-stage renal disease, heart failure, and death is still underway. Cystatin C, when paired with blood creatinine in an equation, has been found to increase the estimation of GFR in a variety of populations.

What does a Cystatin C blood test check for?

Cystatin C is a tiny protein generated by all cells with a nucleus and found in a number of body fluids, including the blood. It is constantly created, filtered from the blood by the kidneys, and broken down. This test evaluates kidney function by measuring the level of cystatin C in the blood.

The glomeruli, clusters of microscopic blood capillaries in the kidneys that allow water, dissolved substances, and wastes to flow past their walls while holding blood cells and bigger proteins, filter cystatin C out of the blood. Filtrate fluid is made up of what goes through the glomeruli's walls. The kidneys reabsorb cystatin C, glucose, and other chemicals from this fluid. The remainder of the fluid and wastes are transported to the bladder and expelled as urine. The cystatin C that has been reabsorbed is then broken down and not reintroduced to the bloodstream.

The glomerular filtration rate is the rate at which the fluid is filtered. The GFR falls as kidney function declines, whereas cystatin C and other renal function indicators such as creatinine and urea in the blood rise. These levels rise because the kidneys are unable to filter the blood correctly at a regular rate, resulting in their buildup in the blood. Improvements in kidney function, on the other hand, are predicted to lead to increases in GFR, which will result in lower levels of cystatin C, creatinine, and urea as the kidneys are better able to remove them from the blood.

Cystatin C concentrations in the blood are stable while the kidneys are working properly. The concentrations begin to grow as renal function deteriorates. This rise in cystatin C occurs when GFR declines and is generally apparent before kidney function declines significantly.

The cystatin C test has gained popularity as a technique of measuring kidney function since cystatin C levels fluctuate with changes in GFR. Creatinine, a result of muscle metabolism that is detected in the blood and urine, blood urea nitrogen, and eGFR are currently employed tests. Cystatin C, unlike creatinine, is unaffected by muscle mass, race, or diet, leading to the hypothesis that it could be a more trustworthy measure of renal function and so used to provide a more precise estimate of GFR.

While there is increasing evidence and literature to support the use of cystatin C, there is still some debate over when and how it should be administered. However, testing is becoming more widely available, and measures are being conducted to standardize cystatin C results calibration.

Lab tests often ordered with a Cystatin C test:

• Creatinine
• Creatinine Clearance
• Urine Albumin
• Lipid Panel
• Lipoprotein Fractionation Ion Mobility
• Blood Urea Nitrogen
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Conditions where a Cystatin C test is recommended:

• Kidney Disease
• Diabetes

How does my health care provider use a Cystatin C test?

In those who have known or suspected renal disease, a cystatin C test can be used instead of creatinine and creatinine clearance to screen for and monitor kidney dysfunction. It's especially beneficial in circumstances where creatinine measurements aren't accurate.

Creatinine measurements may not be trustworthy in people who have liver cirrhosis, are very fat, are malnourished, follow a vegetarian diet, have amputated limbs, or have reduced muscle mass. Because creatinine is dependent on muscle mass, assessing kidney function in people with abnormally high or low body mass may be inaccurate. Cystatin C is a more reliable indicator of renal function than creatinine since it is unaffected by body mass or diet.

When other test findings are normal or borderline, and an affected person has few, if any, symptoms, measuring cystatin C may be helpful in early diagnosis of kidney disease. In this scenario, the healthcare provider may wish to measure cystatin c to see if chronic renal disease is present.

Other applications of cystatin C are being investigated, such as measuring glomerular filtration rate using it alone or in combination with blood creatinine. An equation for eGFR that incorporates both creatinine and cystatin C was found to be more accurate than one that utilizes either of these alone in a recent study, and could be used to diagnose chronic kidney disease in persons with an eGFR near 60, the CKD threshold. It has been linked to a higher risk of mortality, cardiovascular disease, and heart failure in older persons, in addition to kidney impairment. Before being completely integrated into clinical practice, these equations are now being validated in various patient populations.

Finally, some study suggests that cystatin C returns to normal faster than creatinine, and that it could be used to assess renal function and severity of sickness in critically ill hospitalized patients when GFR is rapidly changing.

What do my Cystatin C test results mean?

A high amount of cystatin C in the blood indicates a lower glomerular filtration rate and, as a result, kidney failure.

Because cystatin C is made at a constant rate throughout the body and eliminated and broken down by the kidneys, it should stay at a constant level in the blood if the kidneys are healthy and the GFR is normal.

Increased levels of cystatin C have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, heart failure, and mortality in recent investigations.

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

Test not available in the following States: CA, MD, NY, PA and RI.