Which two tests are commonly used to evaluate renal function?

The evaluation of renal function often involves measuring certain waste products that are filtered and excreted by the kidneys. Both creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are essential markers used in this assessment.

Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism, and its levels in the blood reflect how well the kidneys are functioning, as healthy kidneys should effectively filter out creatinine. Elevated levels of creatinine can indicate impaired kidney function.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, a waste product formed from protein metabolism. Like creatinine, elevated BUN levels can suggest kidney dysfunction, although BUN levels can also be influenced by factors such as hydration status and dietary protein intake.

Together, the measurement of creatinine and BUN provides a more comprehensive overview of renal function than either test alone. They are commonly used because they are readily available, inexpensive, and provide valuable information on the health of the kidneys.