Kidneys

Urea nitrogen is a waste product that the kidneys flush out, but the presence or buildup of urea nitrogen waste in the blood means the kidneys aren’t regulating waste properly. Compared to one’s creatinine levels, this test can screen for kidney disease.

Creatinine levels vary from person to person, but abnormalities typically signal kidney disease or damage. One’s creatinine levels are directly related to lifestyle, diet, medication, and how those can impact the kidneys’ ability to function. Creatinine (not to be confused with creatine) is a chemical compound left over from everyday wear and tear of the muscles.

This ratio helps evaluate kidney function and can indicate conditions such as dehydration, kidney disease, or issues affecting kidney perfusion. A high ratio may suggest dehydration or upper gastrointestinal bleeding, while a low ratio can point to acute tubular necrosis or liver disease. This result is only calculated if BUN is out of range.

Potassium is an electrolyte that aids in muscle contraction, digestion, messaging from the brain to the body, and regulating fluids and blood pressure. Potassium levels can help detect kidney, liver, heart, and blood disorders.

A sodium test looks at electrolytes and pH. When sodium levels are abnormal, it can signal issues with the brain, lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, thyroid, and adrenal glands.

Calcium levels help understand symptoms related to the kidneys, bones, thyroid, parathyroid, or nerves. Calcium is a mineral the body uses to build and maintain strong bones, teeth, muscle control, and blood circulation.

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a key measure of kidney function essential for identifying changes that may impact cardiovascular and metabolic health. Testing supports early intervention in kidney-related issues.

Albumin is a foundational protein found in the blood. In early kidney damage—most commonly from hypertension or type 2 diabetes—smaller fragments of albumin called microalbumin appear in the urine.

A chloride test is useful in diagnosing the underlying causes of abnormal fluid levels or pH balances, such as dehydration, kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, or other disorders. Chloride is a major mineral in the body that manufactures channels in cell membranes, which carry out different vital tasks.

Cystatin C is a marker of kidney function and an important indicator of cardiovascular health as impaired kidney function is closely linked to increased strain on the heart and blood vessels. Elevated levels can signal changes in kidney performance and metabolic function helping to identify risks early.

* This blood test can be added for an extra charge and is not included in the $499 membership.