What two labs may indicate poor kidney function?

The indication of poor kidney function is effectively assessed through the levels of BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) and creatinine in the blood. Both BUN and creatinine are waste products that are normally removed from the bloodstream by the kidneys. When kidney function declines, these waste products accumulate in the blood because they are not being excreted efficiently.

BUN levels can increase due to kidney dysfunction, dehydration, and other factors, while creatinine is a more specific marker of kidney health, as it primarily reflects renal function. An elevated creatinine level is a strong indicator of impaired kidney function, making these two labs particularly significant in assessing renal health.

In contrast, while hemoglobin (Hgb) can vary with kidney health (as the kidneys produce erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production), it is not a direct indicator of kidney function in the way BUN and creatinine are. Sodium (Na) and potassium (K+) levels can reflect various bodily functions and imbalances but do not specifically indicate kidney function as clearly or reliably as BUN and creatinine.