Kidney Function Tests Flashcards
2 types of tests that are done to test kidney function ( what samples)
Urinalysis or serology (blood)
2 most common metabolic waste products that we use to test kidney function
Urea and creatinine
What is urea
Product of normal protein metabolism: ammonia from breakdown is converted to urea by the kidneys to be excreted
What is creatinine
Product of muscle metabolism
Why we would use a blood sample to test kidney function
Tested for presence of waste from protein breakdown that contain nitrogen (nitrogenous waste) that should have been excreted by kidneys
When kidney function is distrusted, nitrogenous waste in the blood (increases or decreases)
Increases
Pre renal reasons for decreased kidney filtration
Decreased blood flow to kidney: dehydration or low blood pressure
Word for kidney infection/inflammation
Nephritis
Post renal reasons for decreased kidney filtration
Obstructions- kidney or bladder uroliths
How we measure BUN, is it kidney disease specific?
Measure on clin chem machine or azostix dipstick, not specific to kidney disease
Difference between azotemia and uremia
Azotemia- increase of waste products in blood
Uremia- increase of waste products in blood WITH signs of kidney disease
Can be azotemic without being uremic
Azotemia May be caused by an increase in protein breakdown, what may cause this?
High meat diet, body trauma, fever (increases BUN)
Clinical signs of kidney diseases
Weight loss, anorexia, polyuria, polydipsia, oral ulcers, halitosis, excessive tartar (horses)
Which is more specific for renal disease, BUN or creatinine
Why?
Creatinine
May also increase due to pre renal causes (like dehydration or low bp) but not as fast as BUN. Also not affected by fever diet or trauma (increase protein breakdown)
What is Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA)
Type of amino acid found in blood when protein is broken down, Found in kidneys, v specific to kidney disease
