Renal Function
The renal function panel groups biomarkers used to assess kidney filtration, nitrogen waste handling, urate handling, albumin leakage, and related aspects of renal physiology. It brings together currently available blood markers such as creatinine, eGFR, BUN, and uric acid, alongside placeholder urine and alternative filtration markers that still need verified sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a renal function panel different from the metabolic panel?
The metabolic panel is a broader chemistry grouping. A renal function panel is narrower and focuses specifically on kidney filtration, nitrogen waste handling, urine protein loss, and closely related markers.
Why are creatinine and eGFR shown together?
Creatinine is the measured blood marker, while eGFR is a filtration estimate derived from creatinine, age, and sex. Looking at both together gives more context on kidney filtration than either alone.
Which markers are most central to renal function?
Creatinine and eGFR are the core filtration markers. BUN adds context on nitrogen waste handling, while uric acid reflects renal excretion and broader metabolic handling. Urine albumin and related urine markers add information about kidney damage rather than filtration alone.