For any medical check-up, you should follow certain guidelines so that your procedure gets simple and comfortable for you.

For a kidney check-up, there are few things that you should keep in mind.

If you want to go for a kidney check-up, and are confused as to what all you should follow during the check-up, then this blog is perfect for you.

Karetrip is here for you to provide you with the guidelines so that you know what is exactly needed during a kidney check-up.

This will make your journey very simple. Let’s dive in.

Medical History and Consultation

• You should discuss your medical history with your doctor and provide him with details such as a family history of kidney disease, previous kidney or urinary problems etc.

• If you have a high blood pressure, it can affect your kidney disease. The doctor will see if there is any swelling in your legs, feet, and around the eyes, which can indicate fluid retention due to kidney problems. There should not be high creatinine levels.

• A low Glomerular Filtration Rate indicates reduced kidney function. You should get yourself checked for abnormalities such as blood, or sugar in your urine. You can go for a 24-hour urine collection, which will measure how much waste your kidneys filter over a day.

• Ultrasound can also be done to check for any cyst, or tumor. Discuss lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, to protect your kidneys.

Physical Examination

• Your blood pressure is both a cause and a result of kidney disease. Chronic high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys. Kidney problems can lead to fluid retention. This is because the kidneys aren't filtering excess fluid properly, leading to build-up.

• The doctor will check for swelling in your legs, ankles, feet, and around your eyes. The doctor will feel around your abdomen, particularly the area around your kidneys, to check for any tenderness.

• Your doctor will check for issues such as kidney infection or kidney stones.

• There should not be an unexplained weight gain, particularly from fluid retention, as it can be a sign of kidney issues.

• Your weight will be checked and monitored to make sure that there are no signs of rapid weight gain due to fluid retention.

• Fluid overload due to kidney problems can also affect your lungs.

Blood Tests

• Your doctor will ask you to go for a blood sample to measure the level of creatinine in your bloodstream. High levels indicate that the kidneys may not be working efficiently. Normal Range: 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), depending on factors like age, gender, and muscle mass.

• Normal Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is 90 mL/min/1.73m² or higher. Abnormal Range: Below 60 mL/min/1.73m² may indicate chronic kidney disease (CKD). This will also be checked.

• Any imbalance in the electrolyte may signal kidney issues. Sodium (Na+): Helps regulate blood pressure, fluid balance, and nerve function. Normal Range: 135 to 145 mEq/L. High or low sodium levels can indicate fluid balance problems due to kidney dysfunction.

• Normal Range of calcium and phosphorus in the blood is 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL. Low calcium levels are common in kidney disease and can lead to bone problems.

Urine Tests

You should go for a urinalysis as it can detect kidney disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and other health conditions. You will provide a urine sample, which will be tested for its appearance, protein, glucose etc.

You can also go for a urine Protein Test as it measures the amount of protein in your urine. High levels of protein indicates that your kidneys are not filtering blood properly.

A small sample of urine will be tested for the protein-to-creatinine ratio or albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Normal Range: Less than 30 mg of albumin per gram of creatinine. Abnormal Range: More than 300 mg/g may indicate kidney disease or damage.

Imaging Tests

• You may be asked to check for a renal ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys. It helps to detect kidney size, shape and any obstruction like kidney stones. It detects features such as kidney size and shape abnormalities, swelling of the kidney due to urine buildup etc. Its duration is about 20-30 minutes.

• You can also undergo a CT scan to detect any blockage in the urinary tract. Its duration is 10-20 minutes.

• An MRI may also be done for any tumour, or Blood flow problems in the kidneys etc. Its duration is 30-60 minutes.

• Renal Arteriography examines the blood vessels in the kidneys. It detects any blockage of kidney blood vessels. Its duration is 1-2 hours.

Discussion of Results and Treatment Plan

• If your test results are within normal ranges, it means your kidneys are functioning well, filtering waste and balancing electrolytes as they should. In such cases, your doctor may recommend routine monitoring, especially if you are at risk for kidney disease.

• Abnormal results can indicate various kidney problems, ranging from mild issues to more serious conditions. You should discuss them with your doctor. Cases such as elevated creatinine or low eGFR, protein in urine, blood in urine etc. should be a concern for you. If any abnormality is there, your doctor may refer you to a nephrologist.

• The stages of kidney disease should be known to you, if it is there. Your doctor will classify it based on your eGFR. The stages of CKD range from 1 (mild) to 5 (severe), and the stage determines the treatment plan such as Stage 1 (eGFR 90 or above): Kidney damage with normal function, Stage 2 (eGFR 60-89): Mild loss of kidney function and so on.

• Your doctor may advise you to reduce protein intake to reduce the workload on your kidneys. You should stay hydrated. Regular physical activity helps maintain good overall health. Maintain your weight.

Tips for Your Check-up

• You should write down any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, such as fatigue, changes in urination etc. These details will help your doctor assess your kidney health more accurately. You should make sure to share your personal medical history, including any chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

• Some medications and supplements can affect kidney function. Certain blood tests may require fasting or avoiding specific foods. You should follow the instructions given by your doctor. You should stay hydrated but if you have been advised to restrict fluids due to advanced kidney disease, you should follow your doctor's suggestions.

• Do not take a large amount of protein before your tests, as it can temporarily increase protein levels in your urine, which may not give accurate results. Try to eat a balanced meal that is not overly rich in protein the day before your check-up.

The information provided represents the views and opinions of Karetrip. It is crucial to conduct your own independent research before making any decisions regarding your healthcare journey.