Why is this procedure done?
A renal function panel is a group of blood tests that check your: ‚
- Glucose
- Calcium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Carbon dioxide
- Blood urea nitrogen or BUN
- Creatinine
- BUN/Creatinine ratio
- Albumin
- Phosphorus
The doctor may order a renal function panel to: ‚
- Check for an electrolyte or fluid imbalance
- See how well the kidneys are working
- Look for abnormal conditions of the kidney
- Get information on other illnesses
- Go along with other tests
What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor may learn that you have signs of an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your kidneys are likely working in a normal way.
- If the results are not normal, you may have an illness.
- Your kidneys can also be affected by other reasons, such as drugs.
- Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about what is wrong.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test. Sometimes, your doctor may want you to stop eating or drinking for 8 hours before this test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before the test
What happens during the procedure?
- It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time.
- The area will be cleaned and then a band called a tourniquet will be placed around your arm.
- You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The blood will be sent to the lab for testing.
- In babies, the staff may prick the heel instead of using a needle. The blood is collected in a small tube and sent to the lab for testing.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem that needs to be treated. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/bmp/tab/test ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/albumin/tab/test ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/phosphorus/tab/test/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚