Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
Kidney function tests, RFT, renal panel, kidney panel, renal profile, kidney profile, renal function panel, kidney function panel, renal screening tests, nephrology laboratory tests
Definition
Renal function tests are a group of diagnostic procedures that evaluate kidney (renal) function through blood and urine analysis. These tests measure the efficiency of glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and secretion processes by assessing levels of waste products, proteins, and electrolytes in the blood and urine.¹ The primary purpose of these tests is to assess overall kidney health, detect kidney disease, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment response.² Renal function tests primarily focus on measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is considered the best overall indicator of kidney function, along with quantifying proteinuria (albuminuria).³
Clinical Context
Renal function tests are essential diagnostic tools in both acute and chronic clinical settings. They are primarily used to identify the presence of kidney disease, monitor disease progression, and assess treatment efficacy.¹ These tests are particularly important for patients with conditions that affect kidney function, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and urinary tract obstructions.²
Patient selection for renal function testing typically includes individuals with risk factors for kidney disease, those presenting with symptoms suggestive of renal dysfunction (such as edema, fatigue, decreased urine output, or hematuria), and patients taking potentially nephrotoxic medications.³ Regular monitoring is recommended for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), with testing frequency determined by disease stage and progression rate.
The clinical interpretation of renal function tests involves assessing multiple parameters together rather than in isolation. For example, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculations use serum creatinine levels along with demographic factors like age, sex, and race to provide a more accurate assessment of kidney function.⁴ The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines classify CKD into stages based on GFR values, ranging from Stage 1 (GFR >90 mL/min/1.73 m²) to Stage 5 (GFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m²), with each stage requiring specific management approaches.²
Expected outcomes from renal function testing include early detection of kidney dysfunction, appropriate staging of kidney disease, optimization of medication dosing, and timely intervention to slow disease progression and prevent complications.