Doctor 24/7: What tests are needed to know if the kidneys are healthy?

'Now I want to test my kidney function, what should I do? Besides urine test, is there anything else I can do? Please tell me how to prevent kidney disease. Thank you, doctor!'. (P.Duc, in Ho Chi Minh City).

Doctor Tran Thanh An, Department of Internal Medicine, Diag Medical Center (HCMC), answered: To check kidney function, the doctor will first prescribe two main groups of tests.

Blood test : This is the most important part to evaluate the filtering capacity of the kidneys.

Blood creatinine calculates the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which tells you how much of your kidney's filtering function is still working.

Urea nitrogen (BUN) helps assess the ability to excrete protein.

In addition, electrolytes, uric acid, blood sugar, and cholesterol can be tested if metabolic disease is suspected.

Blood tests help assess the filtering capacity of the kidneys.

Illustration: AI

Urine test: General urine analysis helps detect protein, red blood cells, white blood cells, sugar, crystals...

Urine albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR): detects early glomerular membrane damage, even when creatinine is normal.

If necessary, your doctor may order a kidney-urinary ultrasound to assess the size, shape, stones, or blockages.

How to prevent kidney disease

Doctor Tran Thanh An said, to keep kidneys healthy, you should do the following:

• Drink enough water (about 1.5-2 liters/day, unless contraindicated). Or rehydrate sufficiently if you do a lot of physical activity or are dehydrated due to diarrhea.
• Eat bland food, limit processed foods, soy sauce, and canned foods.
• Do not abuse painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal medicines of unknown origin.
• Do not smoke, limit alcohol.
• Control blood pressure, blood sugar, blood fat well.
• Exercise regularly, don't overdo it at one time, and maintain a healthy weight.
• Regular health check-ups every 6-12 months, especially if you have underlying diseases (high blood pressure, diabetes, gout, etc.) to check kidney function and risk factors.

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Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-24-7-muon-biet-than-con-khoe-can-xet-nghiem-nhung-gi-185251029121011726.htm