What are critical lab values to monitor for renal function?

Monitoring serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels is essential for assessing renal function. Serum creatinine serves as a marker of kidney health because it reflects the kidney's ability to filter and excrete waste products. Elevated levels of creatinine can indicate impaired kidney function, as they generally increase when kidney filtration decreases.

Similarly, blood urea nitrogen is another waste product formed from protein metabolism. BUN levels can provide additional insight into kidney function; elevated BUN may suggest reduced renal perfusion, dehydration, or impaired renal function. Your combined assessment of both serum creatinine and BUN offers a more complete picture of kidney status and helps guide appropriate interventions.

Proper monitoring of these lab values is crucial for individuals with chronic kidney disease, those on dialysis, or those taking medications that affect renal function. Understanding these parameters aids in timely clinical decisions to manage and treat renal-related issues effectively.