Renal (Kidney) Function Panel
CPT Code(s):
80069
Turnaround Time:
4 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:
8 hours
Refrigerated:
5 days
Frozen:
60 days
Clinical Significance
Renal Function Panel is clinically significant and diagnostically useful for assessing the overall function of the kidneys. It provides important information about the patient's kidney health and can help in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of various kidney disorders. The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Renal Function Panel include:
1. Evaluating Kidney Function: Renal Function Panel measures several parameters, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and electrolyte levels (such as sodium, potassium, and chloride), which are key indicators of kidney function. Abnormal levels of these markers can indicate impaired kidney function or the presence of kidney disease.
2. Diagnosing Kidney Disease: Renal Function Panel is commonly used to diagnose and stage kidney disease. Elevated levels of BUN and creatinine may suggest impaired kidney function, while abnormal electrolyte levels may indicate electrolyte imbalances associated with kidney dysfunction.
3. Monitoring Kidney Health: Renal Function Panel is used to monitor the progression and management of kidney disease. Regular testing of BUN, creatinine, and electrolyte levels helps healthcare providers evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, such as medications or lifestyle modifications, in preserving or improving kidney function.
4. Assessing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): AKI is a sudden and often reversible decline in kidney function. Renal Function Panel is valuable in assessing the severity and progression of AKI. Elevated BUN and creatinine levels can indicate the extent of kidney damage and guide appropriate interventions.
5. Monitoring Medication Toxicity: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can have adverse effects on kidney function. Renal Function Panel helps monitor the potential renal toxicity of these medications by detecting changes in BUN and creatinine levels.
6. Guiding Fluid and Electrolyte Management: Renal Function Panel, which includes measurements of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride, is essential for assessing fluid and electrolyte balance in patients with kidney disorders. Abnormal levels can indicate dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or impaired kidney regulation of these substances.
7. Preoperative Assessment: Renal Function Panel is often included in preoperative evaluations to assess kidney function before surgical procedures. It helps identify any preexisting kidney dysfunction that may affect the patient's ability to tolerate anesthesia or recover from surgery.
In summary, Renal Function Panel is crucial for evaluating kidney function, diagnosing kidney disease, monitoring kidney health, assessing acute kidney injury, monitoring medication toxicity, guiding fluid and electrolyte management, and aiding preoperative assessments. It provides valuable information about the patient's kidney health and helps guide appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and management decisions for various kidney-related conditions.