This test may require the use of intravenous contrast dye which can be of concern for people living with kidney disease. Like ultrasound, it can also be used to look for structural abnormalities or obstructions. This test uses x-rays to get many detailed pictures of the kidneys or other parts of the body. This test does not use intravenous contrast dye to be done. It may be used to look for abnormalities in size or position of the kidneys, or look for obstructions such as stones or tumors. This test uses sound waves to get a general picture of your kidneys or other organs.

It is usually used as a next-step option if abnormal results are found using one of the other testing methods or in less common clinical situations. So, it is not as common as the other urine tests that only need a small sample given at one time. This test requires collecting all the urine you make over a 24-hour period in a special container. A uACR level of 30 mg/g or higher can be a sign of albuminuria.Ī 24-hour urine collection test can be ordered for many reasons – kidney stones, glomerular disease, or to measure your kidney function. A “normal” uACR level is lower than 30 mg/g. The uACR is calculated by dividing the amount of urine albumin by the amount of urine creatinine to find the ratio. So, there should be very little or no albumin in your urine. Healthy kidneys keep the albumin in your blood while filtering the creatinine out into the urine. The urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) test measures the amount of two different substances in your urine – albumin (protein) and creatinine. Last, the sample may be looked at under a microscope for a more detailed look, though not always. The strip changes color in the presence of abnormalities – for example, high amounts of acid, albumin (protein), bacteria, blood, pus, or sugar. Next, a dipstick (chemically treated test strip) is dipped into the urine sample.

First, a visual exam is done to check for things like color and how cloudy the sample is. So, your healthcare provider will likely compare your BUN level to your creatinine and eGFR levels when evaluating your kidney health.Ī urinalysis is a simple test that checks a small sample of your urine for many different things. Checking your BUN level is usually not very helpful by itself. A “normal” BUN level varies, and usually increases as you get older. It is removed from the body through the kidneys. Urea nitrogen is a waste product in your blood that comes from the breakdown of protein in the foods you eat. In less common situations where a more accurate measure of your kidney function is needed, your healthcare provider may order a measured GFR (mGFR). An eGFR lower than 15 is a marker of kidney failure. In general, an eGFR value lower than 60 is a sign that the kidneys may not be working properly. For this test, a higher number is better. A “normal” eGFR varies according to age – it decreases as you get older. It can also be calculated using your cystatin C level. It is calculated using your serum creatinine level, age, and sex. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is an estimate of how well your kidneys are removing waste products from the blood. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) This test is not as common as the creatinine test and can be more expensive.

So, it is another option to use to calculate your eGFR, if needed. Like creatinine, it is also removed from the body through the kidneys. Cystatin CĬystatin C is a protein that is produced by the cells in your body. High creatinine levels can be a sign of acute kidney injury and/or chronic kidney disease.

A “normal” creatinine level in the blood is hard to define because it can change depending on your age, sex, body size, and other factors. It is removed from your body through the kidneys. Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the digestion of protein in your food and the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. Health Encyclopedia: Blood Urea Nitrogen. Rochester (NY): University of Rochester Medical Center c2022.

University of Rochester Medical Center.

New York: National Kidney Foundation Inc., c2022. Department of Health and Human Services National Kidney Disease Education Program: Your Kidney Test Results.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Department of Health and Human Services Kidney Disease. Department of Health and Human Services Blood Tests.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research c1998-2022.

What is the normal range for bun