What Lab Tests Are Associated With Kidney Function?
More Programs and Publications Featuring Dr. Pavlos Msaouel
In this program:
How can kidney function be gauged? Watch as Dr. Pavlos Msaouel shares how kidney function is measured and the impact that bad kidney function may have on the risk of kidney cancer development.
Transcript
Interviewer:
In terms of the various lab tests associated with the kidney function, what value should patients keep an eye on if they suspect they have kidney cancer?
Dr. Pavlos Msaouel:
So, bad kidney function has been associated with increased risk for kidney cancer, so if your kidneys are not functioning that well, then your risk for kidney cancer is increased. Now, kidney function is measured mainly by a blood test that is called creatinine in your blood, which is used to calculate a measure called the estimated glomerular filtration rate abbreviated as eGFR, or sometimes people call the GFR. We want that eGFR to be high, because when it's high, then that signifies that our kidney function is good, when it gets lower and lower, that means that our they function is not that good, and that's important, aside from kidney cancer, that can affect our lives in multiple different ways. We want, in general, our GFR to be high.
The information on Diverse Health Hub is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical or other condition. Always seek the expert advice of your healthcare team. To learn more about privacy, read our Privacy Policy.
