Complete kidney test (CKD) Creatinine Urea eGFR

Kidneys are among the most vital organs in the human body.
They work to filter blood, remove toxins, regulate blood pressure, and maintain fluid and mineral balance. That’s why kidney function tests are essential medical screenings, especially if you have chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.In this guide by Dalili Medical, we’ll take you through a simplified overview of everything you need to know about kidney function tests—Creatinine, Urea, and eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate).

✅ What Are Kidney Function Tests?

Kidney function tests are a group of lab tests that assess how well your kidneys are filtering waste, balancing minerals, and regulating fluids. The most commonly used tests include:

• Creatinine

• Urea (BUN – Blood Urea Nitrogen)

• eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

Each test provides a unique insight into your kidney’s performance.

---

1️⃣ Creatinine Test

What is creatinine?
Creatinine is a waste product formed from muscle breakdown. It is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine.
If levels rise in the blood, it could indicate reduced kidney function.

Normal creatinine levels:

• Men: 0.7 – 1.3 mg/dL

• Women: 0.6 – 1.1 mg/dL

✅ When does creatinine increase?

• Acute or chronic kidney failure

• Severe dehydration

• Certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs, strong antibiotics)

---

2️⃣ Urea Test (BUN – Blood Urea Nitrogen)

What is urea?
Urea is a waste product formed in the liver when the body breaks down proteins. It is removed from the body through the kidneys.

Normal urea levels:

• 7 – 20 mg/dL

✅ When does urea increase?

• Kidney dysfunction

• High protein intake

• Dehydration or internal bleeding

✅ When does urea decrease?

• Advanced liver disease

• Poor nutrition or low protein intake

---

3️⃣ eGFR Test (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

What is eGFR?
eGFR is an estimate of how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. It’s calculated using creatinine levels, age, sex, and sometimes race.

Normal eGFR ranges:

• Above 90: Normal kidney function

• 60–89: Mildly reduced function

• Below 60: Kidney dysfunction

• Below 15: Kidney failure (end stage)

---

Let me know if you'd like to continue with:

• When to get tested

• How to prepare

• Common symptoms

• FAQs or conclusion for this article.

✅ Why Is eGFR Important?

eGFR is crucial because it can detect gradual kidney deterioration before symptoms appear. It's one of the earliest and most reliable indicators of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

---

⏰ When Should You Get a Kidney Function Test?

You should consider testing your kidney function if you:

• Have diabetes or high blood pressure

• Are taking medications that may affect the kidneys (e.g., NSAIDs used long-term)

• Experience unexplained swelling in the legs or face

• Feel persistent fatigue or have a low appetite

• Are already diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

---

⚠️ Symptoms That May Indicate Kidney Problems

• Swelling in the feet, ankles, or around the eyes

• Reduced urine output or changes in urine color

• Foamy urine

• Constant tiredness

• Nausea or poor appetite

• High blood pressure without an obvious cause

---

✅ Do Kidney Function Tests Require Fasting?

Most kidney function tests do not require fasting. However:

• You may be asked to fast for 6–8 hours if these tests are combined with others, like blood sugar or lipid panels.

• Hydrate well before the test to avoid overly concentrated samples.

---

 How to Interpret the Results

Test	Normal Range	Elevated Levels May Indicate
Creatinine	0.6–1.3 mg/dL	Kidney dysfunction, dehydration
Urea (BUN)	7–20 mg/dL	Kidney failure, internal bleeding, dehydration
eGFR	90+	Normal kidney function

 

❗ Note: Never rely on a single test. Repeat testing or follow-up with additional tests is often recommended for accurate diagnosis.

---

✅ Can Kidney Function Be Improved?

Yes — especially if the issue is caught early. Some lifestyle tips to support kidney health include:

• Drinking adequate water daily

• Reducing salt and excessive protein intake

• Avoiding over-the-counter medications without doctor’s advice (especially NSAIDs)

• Staying physically active

• Managing blood sugar and blood pressure

---

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Does a kidney test show kidney failure?
Yes. Significantly elevated creatinine and a very low eGFR (especially <15) indicate kidney failure.

Can kidney function return to normal?
In some temporary conditions like dehydration or mild infections — yes. In chronic cases, the goal is usually to slow the progression rather than reverse it.

Can kidney issues be detected before symptoms appear?
Absolutely. That’s one of the main benefits of regular kidney function tests — they allow early detection and prevent further damage.

---

✅ Conclusion

Kidney function tests — including Creatinine, Urea, and eGFR — are your gateway to understanding your kidney health and detecting any dysfunction early, before it worsens. If you're at risk or have noticed any warning signs, don’t hesitate to get tested and consult your doctor regularly.

Remember: The kidneys rarely show symptoms until it's too late — so take action and get tested today!