What is a normal kidney function value?
Normal kidney function is crucial for removing waste products and regulating fluid balance. Important values are serum creatinine, eGFR, cystatin C, vitamin D, MMA, serum urea and uric acid.
The kidneys are vital organs that help remove waste products from the blood, regulate fluid balance and produce hormones that affect blood pressure and bone health. Assessing kidney function is crucial for early detection of kidney disease and maintaining optimal health.
Important Kidney Function Values
There are several tests and measurements that evaluate kidney function. Here are some of the most important ones:
Serum Creatinine:
- Normal values: Men: 62-115 µmol/L, Women: 53-97 µmol/L
- Significance: Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle activity and filtered from the blood by the kidneys. Elevated levels may indicate renal dysfunction.
eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate):
- Normal values: > 90 ml/min/1.73m²
- Significance: The eGFR is a calculated value that indicates how well the kidneys filter waste products from the blood. A lower eGFR may indicate decreased kidney function.
MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) formula:
- This formula is used to calculate eGFR and takes into account age, gender and serum creatinine.
Cystatin C:
- Normal values: 0.6-1.0 mg/L
- Significance: Cystatin C is a protein produced by all body cells and filtered by the kidneys. It is a more accurate marker of kidney function, especially in individuals taking creatinine-altering supplements.
Vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D):
- Normal values: 20-40 pg/mL
- Significance: Vitamin D is essential for bone health and the regulation of calcium. The active form of vitamin D is produced by the kidneys, and abnormal levels may indicate kidney problems.
Methylmalonic acid (MMA):
- Normal values: 0.08-0.56 µmol/L
- Significance: Elevated MMA levels may indicate vitamin B12 deficiency or renal dysfunction, as the kidneys filter MMA from the blood.
Serum Urea (BUN - Blood Urea Nitrogen):
- Normal values: 2.5-7.5 mmol/L
- Significance: Urea is a waste product produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels may indicate impaired kidney function or dehydration.
Uric acid:
- Normal values: Men: 3.4-7.0 mg/dL, Women: 2.4-6.0 mg/dL
- Significance: Uric acid is a waste product of purine metabolism. Elevated levels may indicate kidney disease or gout.
How Can You Measure Kidney Function?
At Bloedwaardentest.nl, there are several tests available to check your kidney function:
Kidney Function Test:
- Measures serum creatinine and calculates eGFR to provide an overview of renal health.
Comprehensive Kidney Function Test:
- Includes measurements of creatinine, cystatin C, eGFR, and other important markers such as uric acid and albumin.
General Health Test:
- Includes measurements of renal function parameters, among other important health values.
Vitamin D 1.25 Test:
- Measure the active form of vitamin D to evaluate renal health and calcium regulation.
Methylmalonic acid (MMA) Test:
- Helps detect renal dysfunction and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Serum Urea Test:
- Measure blood urea levels as an indicator of kidney function.
Uric Acid Test:
- Measure blood uric acid levels to evaluate kidney health and risk of gout.
What to Do in the Event of Abnormal Kidney Function Values?
If you have abnormal kidney function values, it is important to discuss this with a doctor. Possible steps include:
- Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy diet, adequate hydration, and regular exercise can promote kidney health.
- Medical Treatment: Medication may be needed to treat underlying conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Follow-up testing: Further tests may be necessary to determine the cause of reduced kidney function and appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Normal kidney function is essential for removing waste products, regulating fluid balance and maintaining optimal health. Important markers of kidney function include serum creatinine, eGFR, cystatin C, vitamin D, MMA, serum urea and uric acid. At Bloedwaardentest.nl, you can use several tests to monitor your kidney function, such as the Kidney Function Test, Comprehensive Kidney Function Test, and Vitamin D 1.25 Test. Regular monitoring of your kidney function helps detect abnormalities early and maintain a healthy lifestyle.