The kidney produces vitamin D, regulates blood pressure, and produces red blood cells; that are responsible for transporting oxygen through the body, as well as filtering waste material from the blood. It expels waste materials in the form of urine. A disturbance in the function of the kidney leads to a peak in electrolytes and minerals at an unhealthy level in the body. An imbalance in these minerals can lead to irregular heartbeats, swelling, and blood pressure issues, among other things.
Kidney diseases and kidney infections are the forms of kidney issues. Kidney diseases are more genetic and congenital. They are born with or acquired through lifestyle habits such as drugs and alcohol intake or sometimes medications, while kidney infections are caused by E. coli journeying from the urethra to the bladder and finally one or both kidneys.
Kidney issues are rendered at high risk by diabetes, heart disease, family history of kidney failures, and high blood pressure. Some symptoms of kidney complications syndromes include:
- Lack of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Dark urine or blood in the urine
- Frequent urination
- Shortness or loss of breath
Forms of kidney tests
About 30% of the United States population experience kidney complications. Kidney issues at an early stage show little or no significant symptoms. In this light, it is advisable to conduct a kidney test once in a while as it is safer. Kidney tests are taken in order to check for kidney diseases, monitor kidney diseases as well as determine the functioning of kidneys. Kidney tests are conducted through blood urine nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, urinalysis, and Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).
There are two forms of kidney test, blood test and urine test, which are;
- A urine test checks albumin presence in urine and albumin to creatinine ratio. The normal ratio is 30 milligrams per gram. Anything less than that needs more tests.
- Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) measures the GFR level, which measures creatinine waste levels in the blood. 60 and above is normal, less than 60 signifies kidney disease, and 15 or less signifies the need for a dialysis or kidney transplant.
Importance of at-home kidney tests
At-home kidney tests are efficient in the early discovery of kidney health and complications. In this light, they breed the early diagnosis and treatment as well as the prevention of worsening of the complications to a chronic stage. There are various forms of at-home kidney tests, including a urine dipstick test that checks albumin presence. It is important to note that after tests have been conducted and the result proves bothersome, a trip to the doctor of a hospital is advisable to avoid further deterioration of health.
Kidney function test at home
A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) test and a dipstick test are the two types of urine tests used to measure albumin and related kidney function at home.
A UACR test compares the amount of albumin in your urine to a waste product called "creatinine." While 30 milligrams per gram is considered normal, a higher level could indicate a kidney function problem.
A dipstick test involves placing a color-coded stick or testing paper in your urine sample and can also measure albumin levels. If the color of the stick or testing paper changes, this could indicate that you have albumin in your urine.
The blood test is an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which checks how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. You are then given a GFR score, with 60 or higher considered normal. You may have kidney health issues if your score is lower than normal.
If you have a history of kidney disease in your family or other risk factors for developing it, you should consider using at-home kidney test kits. These kits, when used regularly, may assist you in monitoring overall kidney function.
But remember that at-home kidney tests, like other home health test kits, should not be used in place of regular testing or physical exams with a doctor. Inform your doctor about any unusual test results. If you suspect that you have kidney health issues, see your doctor right away.
