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Renal (Kidney) Function Panel

The Renal Function Panel, often known as a kidney function panel, evaluates levels of several substances that can help your physician diagnose areas of concern in the kidneys.

$49
Order panel
Test Preparation:
Fasting is required (i.e. no eating or drinking anything besides water for at least 8 hours prior to testing).
Testing Method:
Blood draw

The Renal Function Panel, often known as a kidney function panel, evaluates levels of several substances that can help your physician diagnose areas of concern in the kidneys. Kidneys are responsible for filtering blood and removing excess water and toxins. Those prone to kidney disease, or those wishing to monitor a previously diagnosed kidney condition, are advised to take this Renal Function Panel and discuss results with their physician.

How Does Our Renal Function Panel Work?

A Renal Function Panel is a type of blood test used to analyze your kidney function. If you are suffering symptoms related to your kidneys, have a history of a kidney-related condition, or just want to know the status of your kidney health. In that case, a Renal Function Panel will give you insight into how your kidney and body work together. To get the Renal Function Panel, add it to your cart along with any other tests you will be purchasing. After you complete your payment, your next step is showing up in person for the test at any of our over 4,000 locations.

Find a lab that is most convenient to you and stop by when you are ready to take the test. The Renal Function Panel does require fasting for eight hours before the blood draw. For your comfort and the best possible results, we recommend taking this test in the morning hours just after you wake up. Once you come to our location, our team will set you up and have your blood drawn in a matter of minutes. After your quick and painless test, the team will send your sample for analysis. Then, within the next 24-72 hours after the test, you will receive your results link through your email address.

Signs of Decreased Kidney Function

Suppose you are experiencing any combination of the following symptoms that cause discomfort or disruption in how you feel. In that case, your kidneys may be struggling to function. A Renal Function Panel could help you understand what is going on and whether you may need to visit your doctor to identify the underlying cause of your uncomfortable symptoms.

  • Visible blood in the urine
  • Trouble with urination
  • Pain while urinating
  • Frequent urination
  • Swollen feet
  • Cramping muscles
  • Decreased appetite

Who is at Risk of Decreased Kidney Function?

While anyone can develop kidney-related issues at any time, certain people are at high risk of suffering from decreased kidney function. The kidneys play a vital role in the overall inner workings and functioning of clearing the body of toxins and other substances. In addition, some medical conditions can significantly strain your kidneys over time, leading to decreased function and kidney disease.

Risk factors for kidney disease include:

  • Family history of kidney disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Overweight or obese
  • Heart disease
  • Smoking
  • A personal history of kidney damage or injury
  • Advanced age

How to Interpret Your Renal Function Panel Results

You may be overwhelmed when you first take a glance at your Renal Function Panel. There is a list of acronyms and abbreviations representing different functions and substances of the tests. You do not need to worry about understanding the role of each test but rather how to read the results and whether anything appears to need further attention from your doctor.

Your test will show a column of test names. Next to each test will show your results and then a reference range for each test. If your results are outside the normal range for any of the tests, the test will be flagged and indicate abnormal findings.

Renal Function Panel versus Routine Urinalysis

The Renal Function Panel tests your blood for vital kidney functions and substances that can affect your health. A Routine Urinalysis is an excellent complement to this blood test if you have concerns about your kidneys. The Routine Urinalysis will test your urine for certain kidney-related functions as well as other conditions that could affect your kidneys’ health.

FAQs

  • A Renal Function Panel aims to identify any problems that may be arising related to your kidneys. While abnormal results could indicate kidney disease1, other medical conditions and disorders can cause strain on the kidneys but do not necessarily originate in the kidneys. Getting to the bottom of what is causing your abnormal kidney results will allow you to get the help you need to relieve symptoms and discomfort.

  • The lab test results2 that you receive for the Renal Function Panel can tell you if something is amiss relating to your body’s processes and kidney functions but may not reveal the cause of these health concerns. If your results indicate potential kidney issues, scheduling an appointment with your doctor to discuss the results in-depth is best. You can then decide the next best steps in diagnosing and treating your condition before further damage or complications occur.

  1. https://www.kidney.org/news/ekidney/august14/10_Signs_You_May_Have_Kidney_Disease

  2. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/know-your-kidney-numbers-two-simple-tests