Category: Labs

PEW is a complex syndrome, and its symptoms can be subtle at first, often overlapping with general symptoms of CKD or aging. It’s often diagnosed by a combination of clinical assessment, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests, as defined by criteria from organizations like the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM). Here are the […]

Inflammation, including that associated with low-grade fever, can indeed lead to muscle protein breakdown and subsequently influence creatinine levels. Here’s how this complex process works: The Link Between Inflammation, Muscle Wasting, and Creatinine 1. Systemic Inflammation: When your body experiences inflammation (whether from an infection, chronic disease, injury, or even a low-grade fever), it activates […]

  eGFR is a measure of how well your kidneys are working. It is often reported automatically when you do a creatinine blood test, as a part of your comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). Read on to learn more about this marker, what it means when your values are outside of the normal range, and how you can increase […]

  Cystatin C is important for monitoring kidney function, but is there more to this marker? Read on to uncover how cystatin C can impact your health. What is Cystatin C? Cystatin C is a protein that inhibits the breakdown of other proteins. It is produced by most cells in the body and can be […]

  A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a group of blood tests that provide your doctor with information about your overall health and metabolism. Read on to learn about what doctors look for, how to prepare for the test, and what your results mean. What is a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)? A comprehensive metabolic panel […]

  Creatinine is an indicator of kidney function. In this article, we discuss how it is produced, disposed of, as well as why it is an important indicator of kidney disease or reduced kidney function. We’ll also take a look at the less commonly talked about low creatinine levels. What is Creatinine? Creatinine is a […]

  Testing urea levels in the blood provides information about your health. This post covers the causes of high and low blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and what they may mean for you. What is Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)? Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a measure of the amount of urea in the blood [1]. The liver produces urea […]

  BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine are two blood tests that can reveal a lot about your metabolism, kidney, liver, and overall health. And while they can be used separately, the BUN/creatinine ratio can help pinpoint important issues. Learn more about the BUN/creatinine ratio and what it can reveal about your health. What is […]