Kidney Function Panel 2

The Kidney Function Panel 2 is a comprehensive renal assessment designed for patients with known or suspected kidney disease, those monitoring chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, and individuals seeking a deeper evaluation of kidney health than standard creatinine testing alone can provide. By combining blood and urine analysis, this panel delivers a multi-dimensional view of glomerular filtration, electrolyte balance, and metabolic waste handling.

The panel includes Cystatin C, a newer and more sensitive marker of kidney function that is less influenced by muscle mass, age, or sex than creatinine. This allows for more accurate estimation of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) across a wider range of patients, including those with reduced muscle mass, the elderly, and individuals with obesity or chronic illness. Three eGFR calculations are provided: one based on creatinine alone, one based on cystatin C alone, and a combined equation that integrates both markers for the highest level of accuracy.

Markers included in this panel

• Kidney filtration markers: Cystatin C (CYSC), Serum Creatinine (CRE), Urea (UREA), and Uric Acid (UA) are measured to assess how effectively the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood.
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): Three calculated values are reported: eGFR based on creatinine (eGFR-creatinine), eGFR based on cystatin C (eGFR-cysc), and a combined eGFR (eGFR-combined) that incorporates both markers for enhanced precision.
• Electrolyte panel: A comprehensive assessment of key electrolytes including sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate to evaluate acid-base balance and detect imbalances that may occur in renal impairment.
• Glucose (GLU): Screens for hyperglycaemia and helps identify diabetes or poor glycaemic control, both major contributors to kidney damage.
• Urine analysis: Detects proteinuria, haematuria, and other urinary abnormalities that may indicate glomerular or tubular injury.
• Urea-creatinine ratio (UCR): Helps differentiate between pre-renal, renal, and post-renal causes of kidney dysfunction.

Why it matters

Chronic kidney disease often progresses silently, with symptoms appearing only when function is significantly reduced. Early detection through accurate filtration markers allows timely intervention, slowing disease progression and reducing cardiovascular risk. The inclusion of cystatin C and combined eGFR equations provides a more reliable assessment than creatinine alone, particularly in patients where creatinine-based estimates may be misleading. This panel supports informed clinical decision-making, effective monitoring of renal function over time, and the identification of metabolic and electrolyte disturbances that require prompt management.