The complete kidney test panel
| Test | Normal | What it checks |
|---|---|---|
| Serum Creatinine | 0.6–1.35 mg/dL | Kidney filtering efficiency |
| eGFR | >90 mL/min | % of kidney function remaining |
| Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) | 7–20 mg/dL | Protein waste in blood |
| BUN:Creatinine Ratio | 10:1 – 20:1 | Dehydration vs kidney damage |
| Urine Routine | No protein, no RBC | Kidney leakage |
| Urine Microalbumin | <30 mg/g creatinine | Earliest sign of kidney damage |
| Serum Electrolytes | Na 136–145, K 3.5–5.1 mEq/L | Fluid and salt balance |
| Uric Acid | <7.2 mg/dL (men) | Gout and kidney stones risk |
Who should get regular kidney tests?
- Diabetics — diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide. Annual creatinine + urine microalbumin from diagnosis
- Hypertensives — high blood pressure is the second leading cause. Annual KFT
- People taking NSAIDs regularly — ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen all damage kidneys with prolonged use
- People taking contrast dye for CT scans — contrast nephropathy risk
- Anyone with recurrent kidney stones — 24-hour urine study + metabolic workup
- Family history of kidney disease — polycystic kidney disease is hereditary
The most important early warning sign: urine microalbumin
Microalbuminuria — catch kidney damage years early
Normal kidneys do not let albumin (a large protein) escape into urine. The earliest sign of diabetic or hypertensive kidney damage is tiny amounts of albumin leaking through (microalbuminuria: 30–300 mg/g creatinine). This is detectable years before creatinine rises or eGFR drops. At the microalbuminuria stage, kidney damage is almost completely reversible with tight blood pressure and sugar control. Once creatinine rises significantly, damage is mostly irreversible — which is why early testing matters so much.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is my eGFR — and what does that mean for my kidney function percentage?
- Should I test urine microalbumin given my diabetes/hypertension?
- Which pain medications are safe for me to take?
- Do I need a kidney ultrasound?
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor before making any health decisions.