Dr. Tran Thanh An, Department of Internal Medicine, Diag Medical Center (Ho Chi Minh City), explains: To check kidney function, doctors will first order two main groups of tests.
Blood tests : This is the most important part of assessing the kidney's filtering capacity.
Blood creatinine levels are used to calculate the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which helps determine the percentage of kidney function that is still functioning.
Urea (BUN) helps assess protein excretion capacity.
Additionally, electrolyte levels, uric acid, blood glucose, and cholesterol may be tested if a metabolic disorder is suspected.
Blood tests help assess the kidney's filtering capacity.
Illustration: AI
Urine test: A complete urinalysis helps detect protein, red blood cells, white blood cells, sugar, crystals, etc.
Urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR): detects early glomerular filtration membrane damage, even when creatinine levels are normal.
If necessary, the doctor may order a renal and urinary tract ultrasound to assess the size, shape, and presence of stones or obstructions.
Ways to prevent kidney disease
According to Doctor Tran Thanh An, to keep your kidneys healthy, you should do the following:
- Drink plenty of water (about 1.5-2 liters/day, unless contraindicated). Or rehydrate if you engage in strenuous physical activity or lose fluids due to diarrhea.
- Eat bland food, limit processed foods, soy sauce, and canned goods.
- Avoid overuse of painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal remedies of unknown origin.
- Don't smoke, limit alcohol consumption.
- Control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids well.
- Exercise regularly, but avoid overexertion at once, and maintain a healthy weight.
- Regular health checkups every 6-12 months are recommended, especially if you have underlying conditions (hypertension, diabetes, gout, etc.), to monitor kidney function and identify 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
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