Kidney Function Panel 1

The Kidney Function Panel 1 is a comprehensive renal assessment designed for anyone who wants a clear picture of how well their kidneys are filtering and balancing the body's internal environment. It is suitable for patients with symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, changes in urination, or high blood pressure, as well as those monitoring a known kidney condition, managing diabetes, or taking medications that can affect renal health. The panel combines a blood sample with a urine sample to give a rounded view of kidney performance and overall metabolic balance.

What the panel measures

Kidney filtration and waste clearance
- Creatinine (CRE): a waste product from normal muscle activity, used as a core marker of how effectively the kidneys are filtering blood.
- Urea (UREA): a waste product from protein breakdown, which rises when kidney clearance falls.
- Estimated GFR (eGFR): a calculated value based on creatinine that estimates the volume of blood filtered by the kidneys each minute, helping to stage kidney function.
- Urea-Creatinine-Ratio (UCR): a calculated ratio that can help distinguish between dehydration, reduced kidney perfusion, and other causes of abnormal kidney markers.

Electrolyte and fluid balance
- Electrolyte Panel: measures key minerals such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, which the kidneys regulate to maintain healthy nerve, muscle, and heart function.

Metabolic and crystal-related markers
- Glucose (GLU): screens for high blood sugar, a leading cause of kidney damage when poorly controlled.
- Uric Acid (UA): a waste product linked to gout and kidney stone formation, and a marker that can rise when kidney clearance is reduced.

Urine Analysis
- A urine sample is examined for protein, blood, glucose, ketones, and other abnormalities that can indicate early kidney damage, infection, or other urinary tract issues before blood markers change.

Why it matters
Kidney disease often develops silently, with few or no symptoms until function is significantly reduced. This panel provides an accessible, early look at kidney health by combining blood and urine markers in one assessment. Detecting changes in filtration, electrolyte balance, or urine composition early allows timely lifestyle adjustments, medication reviews, and clinical monitoring, helping to protect long-term kidney and cardiovascular health.