Kidney Function Blood Test

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme primarily found in the liver. Only small amounts are usually found in the blood. However, if the liver or muscles are damaged an increased level of ALT will be released into the bloodstream. Elevated ALT levels can be caused by alcohol, fatty liver, viruses, or intense exercise.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in high concentrations in the bones and liver. It is measured in liver function tests to assess liver health. Elevated ALP levels can indicate liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct obstruction​.

Albumin is a protein produced by the liver, crucial for maintaining blood volume and pressure. Low albumin levels can indicate liver dysfunction, as the liver's ability to synthesize this protein is compromised. Monitoring albumin helps assess liver health, diagnosing conditions like cirrhosis, hepatitis, and other liver diseases​.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver. The concentration of GGT within the bloodstream increases when there is either damage to the liver or bile ducts, or when there is increased production of GGT within the liver. This can occur due to taking many medications, smoking, poorly controlled diabetes and excessive alcohol consumption.

Globulins are proteins produced by the liver and immune system and is a general term to describe more than 60 proteins. Measuring globulin in liver health tests is important in the assessment of liver function. Abnormal globulin levels can indicate liver dysfunction or chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis or hepatitis.

Total protein test measures the quantity of protein present within your bloodstream and is a combination of both albumin and globulin levels. Measuring total protein in liver function tests assesses the liver's ability to synthesize proteins, indicating liver health, nutritional status, and helping to identify liver diseases like cirrhosis and hepatitis.

Creatinine is a waste product which is produced by muscles when they break down creatine. It is excreted from the body by our kidneys in urine. Therefore, the levels of creatinine can give a good indication of how effectively the kidneys are working. Elevated levels suggest potential kidney stress or increased muscle metabolism.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measures how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood. It helps detect kidney disease early and can provide an overall assessment of kidney function. The calculation is based on levels of creatinine and results can be influenced by a number of factors including muscle mass, weight and hydration.

Both urea and creatinine are good indicators of whether the kidneys are working properly. Urea is a waste product formed in the liver when protein is metabolised. It is released into the bloodstream and carried to the kidneys where it is expelled within urine. If the kidneys are not performing correctly the level of urea will rise.

Uric acid or urate is a natural waste product produced when the body breaks down purines. Most uric acid is removed from the body by the kidneys. Too much uric acid can lead to the formation of solid crystals in the joints - known as gout. High levels can also lead to the formation of kidney stones.