Kidney Function Blood Panel in California

What this test measures

The kidneys filter waste from the blood, balance fluid and electrolytes, and help control blood pressure and red blood cell production. A kidney function panel looks at markers that reflect these roles. Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen are waste products that rise when filtration slows, while an estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated from creatinine provides a picture of overall filtering capacity.

The panel also includes electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, along with minerals including calcium and phosphorus, and proteins such as albumin and total protein. These measurements show how well the kidneys are maintaining the internal environment of the body. Some configurations also include glucose because diabetes is a common contributor to kidney disease.

Clinicians order this panel to screen people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems, and to follow those with known kidney conditions. It may be part of a routine health assessment or a more focused workup. Results are interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider with attention to hydration, medications, and other factors.