New You Forums

Go Back   New You Forums > Cohen Programme Boards > Discussion on Cohen's Lifestyle programme

Notices

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23-03-2010, 12:18
mcpsych's Avatar
mcpsych Male mcpsych is offline
Moderator

 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,475
Default the science- routine blood test

Routine Kidney Function Blood Test
Routine kidney function is one of the most commonly performed blood tests.

The kidneys
The kidneys regulate the amount of water and salts that we have in our bodies. They do this by filtering the blood through millions of structures called nephrons. The kidneys also pass out certain waste products from the body. Urine is made up of the excess water, salts and waste products passed out by the kidneys down to the bladder.
Routine blood test of kidney function
The usual blood test which checks that the kidneys are working properly measures the level of urea, creatinine, and certain dissolved salts.

Urea is a waste product formed from the breakdown of proteins. Urea is usually passed out in the urine. A high blood level of urea ('uraemia') indicates that the kidneys may not be working properly, or that you are dehydrated (have a low body water content).

Creatinine is a waste product made by the muscles. Creatinine passes into the bloodstream, and is usually passed out in urine. A high blood level of creatinine indicates that the kidneys may not be working properly. Creatinine is usually a more accurate marker of kidney function than urea.

Dissolved salts that are routinely measured are sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate. They are sometimes referred to as 'electrolytes'. Abnormal blood levels of any of these may be due to a kidney problem. (Some other conditions may also alter the salt balance in the blood.)

Who has a blood test of kidney function?
Routine kidney function is one of the most commonly performed blood tests. It may be done:
  • As part of a general health assessment.
  • If you have suspected dehydration (when the urea level increases).
  • If you have suspected kidney failure. The higher the blood levels of urea and creatinine, the less well the kidneys are working. The level of creatinine is usually used as a marker as to the severity of kidney failure. (Creatinine in itself is not harmful, but a high level indicates that the kidneys are not working properly. So, many other waste products will not be cleared out of the bloodstream.) You normally need treatment with dialysis if the level of creatinine goes higher than a certain value.
  • Before and after starting treatment with certain medicines. Some medicines occasionally cause kidney damage as a side-effect. Therefore, kidney function is often checked before and after starting treatment with certain medicines.
__________________


Start- 184.9kg, Goal 84.9 Current 84.3kg Centimetres lost: 248
New Goals
to get yacht built- Blog here if interested
http://the-making-of-didiki.blogspot.com/
Looking good, feeling good. If I wasn't so busy I'd date myself
The price of liberty is eternal vigilance
Wherever you go, you will still be there
Closed Thread

Tags
blood , routine , science , test


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Blood Test Questions?? simplyloc Discussion on Cohen's Lifestyle programme 146 12-05-2013 07:08
I have just had my blood test Hopingtobeslim NEW MEMBERS... Start here! 10 12-11-2009 11:58
Going for my blood test tomorrow Lillith NEW MEMBERS... Start here! 1 05-04-2009 21:01
Help! I need a Blood Test Form!!! TwoZeds NEW MEMBERS... Start here! 4 19-09-2008 18:47

Custom T-ShirtsCustom Wrapped Canvas

All times are GMT +11. The time now is 02:31.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.