What Are the Risk Factors for High and Low Kidney Function Test Results?

Risk Factors for High and Low Kidney Function Test Results

Kidney function tests measure how well your kidneys are working. They can help diagnose kidney disease and track its progression. There are a number of risk factors that can affect your kidney function test results.

The levels of creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, inorganic, sodium, potassium, and chloride in the blood can provide important information about the function of the kidneys and other organs in the body. Abnormal levels of these substances may be indicative of a variety of health conditions. Here is a breakdown of the normal ranges for these substances and some of the risk factors associated with high and low levels:

CREATININE – SERUM

• Normal range: 0.6-1.3 mg/dL for males, and 0.5-1.2 mg/dL for females
• High levels may indicate kidney damage or dysfunction, dehydration, urinary tract obstruction, muscle injury or disease, and certain medications
• Low levels may indicate reduced muscle mass due to aging or inactivity, malnutrition, liver disease, or certain medications

UREA

• Normal range: 7-20 mg/dL
• High levels may indicate kidney damage or dysfunction, dehydration, heart failure, liver disease, urinary tract obstruction, or high protein intake
• Low levels are uncommon but may indicate malnutrition or severe liver disease

BLOOD UREA NITROGEN

• Normal range: 7-20 mg/dL
• High levels may indicate kidney damage or dysfunction, dehydration, heart failure, liver disease, or urinary tract obstruction
• Low levels are uncommon but may indicate overhydration, malnutrition, or severe liver disease

URIC ACID – SERUM

• Normal range: 3.4-7.2 mg/dL for males, and 2.4-6.0 mg/dL for females
• High levels may indicate gout, kidney disease, or certain medications
• Low levels are uncommon but may indicate Wilson’s disease or Fanconi syndrome

CALCIUM – SERUM

• Normal range: 8.6-10.2 mg/dL
• High levels may indicate hyperparathyroidism, cancer, or certain medications
• Low levels may indicate hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, or kidney disease

PHOSPHORUS, INORGANIC – SERUM

• Normal range: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL
• High levels may indicate kidney disease, hypoparathyroidism, or certain medications
• Low levels may indicate hyperparathyroidism, malnutrition, or vitamin D deficiency

SODIUM – SERUM

• Normal range: 135-145 mEq/L
• High levels may indicate dehydration, diabetes insipidus, or certain medications
• Low levels may indicate hyponatremia, heart failure, liver disease, or certain medications

POTASSIUM – SERUM / PLASMA

• Normal range: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
• High levels may indicate kidney disease, dehydration, or certain medications
• Low levels may indicate hypokalemia, kidney disease, or certain medications

CHLORIDE – SERUM

• Normal range: 95-105 mEq/L
• High levels may indicate dehydration, kidney disease, or certain medications
• Low levels may indicate hyponatremia, metabolic acidosis, or certain medications

It is important to note that reference ranges may vary between laboratories, and the interpretation of the results should be done by a healthcare professional. Additionally, abnormal results may not always indicate a serious medical condition, and further testing may be required to confirm a diagnosis.