Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine with eGFR
CPT Code(s):
84520, 82565
Turnaround Time:
8 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
The Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine with eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) test has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing kidney function and diagnosing kidney disorders. Here are some key points regarding its clinical significance:
1. Kidney Function Assessment: The Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine with eGFR test is a comprehensive evaluation of kidney function. It includes the measurement of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and the estimation of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). These parameters provide valuable information about the filtering capacity of the kidneys and overall kidney function.
2. Diagnosing Kidney Disease: Elevated levels of BUN and creatinine indicate impaired kidney function. Increased BUN may result from decreased glomerular filtration or increased protein breakdown, while elevated creatinine levels reflect decreased kidney filtration capacity. Abnormal eGFR values below the normal range suggest reduced kidney function. The test helps diagnose acute and chronic kidney diseases, such as acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and kidney dysfunction associated with other conditions.
3. Monitoring Kidney Function: The Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine with eGFR test is commonly used to monitor kidney function in patients with known kidney disease or those at risk of developing kidney dysfunction, such as individuals with diabetes, hypertension, or a history of kidney disorders. Regular testing allows healthcare providers to track changes in kidney function over time, assess disease progression, and determine the effectiveness of treatment interventions.
4. Evaluating Medication Safety: Some medications, particularly those metabolized or excreted by the kidneys, can affect renal function. The Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine with eGFR test helps monitor kidney function in patients receiving potentially nephrotoxic medications, such as certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Monitoring kidney function allows healthcare providers to adjust medication doses or switch to alternative medications if necessary to prevent kidney damage.
5. Surgical Risk Assessment: Prior to undergoing certain surgeries or procedures, individuals with underlying kidney disease may need an assessment of their kidney function. The Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine with eGFR test helps identify patients at higher risk of developing kidney complications during and after surgery.
6. Overall Health Assessment: Kidney function is closely linked to overall health. Abnormalities in BUN, creatinine, or eGFR may indicate systemic conditions impacting kidney function, such as dehydration, congestive heart failure, or liver disease. The test provides valuable information about a patient's overall health and helps guide further diagnostic investigations if necessary.
In summary, the Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine with eGFR test is clinically significant in assessing kidney function, diagnosing kidney diseases, monitoring kidney health, evaluating medication safety, assessing surgical risk, and providing insights into a patient's overall health. Regular testing and monitoring of these parameters are essential for the early detection and management of kidney disorders, promoting kidney health, and preventing complications associated with impaired renal function.