To get a comprehensive assessment of kidney function, it's best to use two tests in combination: the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) blood test and the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) urine test.
Understanding Kidney Function Tests
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is often evaluated using these two key tests:
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Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): This blood test measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood.
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Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR): This urine test measures the amount of albumin (a protein) in your urine. Higher levels of albumin in the urine can indicate kidney damage.
Why Two Tests Are Needed
Using both eGFR and uACR provides a more complete picture of kidney health. According to the reference provided, "Both tests are needed to have a clear picture of your kidney health." Neither test alone gives sufficient information.
| Test | What it Measures | Why it's Important |
|---|---|---|
| eGFR (blood test) | Kidney's ability to filter waste | Indicates how efficiently the kidneys are functioning. |
| uACR (urine test) | Amount of albumin in urine | High levels can indicate early kidney damage, even if eGFR is normal. |
Conclusion
Therefore, the "best" approach is to use both eGFR and uACR for a comprehensive assessment of kidney function.
