Port Moresby Medical Laboratories (POMMEDLAB)

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You should have your kidney tests performed every time you are very ill and given prescription medication as some medications, particularly antibiotics are dangerous and can worsen pre-existing kidney disease.

All patients with the following should have kidney check routinely:

· Profuse diarrhoea and vomiting

· High blood pressure or hypertension

· Diabetes mellitus

· Intravenous injections and antibiotics

· On long term medications

· Unwell for no apparent reason

· Blood in urine

· Flank or lower back pains

· Increased urine frequency

· Ischaemic heart disease

· Urine infection

· Arthritis & Gout

· Systemic infections: Malaria, HIV & typhoid

In addition in Children/infant:

Poor Growth

Poor Feeding

Lethargy/Unwell

Kidney Function Test

 

Kidney function test is the test used to  detect presence of kidney disease. Kidneys play very important roles in our body. They maintain fluid and electrolyte balance , metabolize and excrete various wastes and toxins that enter our body via food water or as medications. Kidneys also produce certain hormones responsible for maintaining hemoglobin (erythropoietin) and bone strength (vitamin D). 

Damage to kidneys can occur as a result of direct injury (infections, drugs, & toxins) or indirectly from loss of fluid (diarrhea and vomiting). Urea and creatinine are tests are the most routine and commonly used tests for measurement of kidney disease. Many other tests although more accurate are too cumbersome for routine application. At POMMEDLAB we also provide calculation of GFR (glomerulo-filtration rate), indirect but more accurate measure kidney function.

Urea is a by-product of protein that is exclusively excreted by kidney. Creatinine is a energy protein of muscle and also excreted by kidneys.  Urea and creatinine levels are first to rise when kidneys fail to perform their roles. Therefore,, by measuring urea and creatinine levels in blood we are able to detect, and monitor kidney damage.

 

Question 1. What is kidney function test?

Question 2. When should I suspect if I have kidney disease?

Question 3. How do I know if I have kidney disease?

Question 5. How long before the results available?

Many do not have any complaints even in the presence of kidney disease. No symptoms are specific for kidney disease. It may include increased urge to urinate, lack of urine despite drinking lots of fluids, weight loss, anaemia, high blood pressure, vomiting and anaemia.

The key is the presence of other conditions mentioned in Q2 above that may course suspicion for kidney disease.

The test are very simple and takes only few minutes. It can take 10-20 minutes depending on laboratory workload. You may return to our Result Review Center or see your doctor on the next appointment day for discussion of results. Patient or doctor will be contacted for urgent results. All reports are kept confidential and only accessed by patient or his/her doctor.  

Question 6. What does the test report mean?

 

The results are reported as normal or abnormal. If abnormal you will be advised and referred appropriately to your doctor or specialist. You can also chose to the discuss report or result with our Pathologist /GP if you  prefer for a small extra cost.

 

Question 7. What is the Treatment?

Treatment depends on cause of your kidney disease. Simple advice on on-going kidney disease include maintain good fluid balance, health eating and regular kidney tests especially if you are taking medications that is metabolised or excreted by kidneys particularly antibiotics. 

Question 4. How is the test performed?

A small blood sample of about 5-10mls is taken. No special preparation is required. No further blood sample is required as this can be also used to test for other basic chemistry tests including liver, pancreas, diabetes, gout, calcium , cholesterol and cancer blood tests.