Test Description

Comprised of various tests that are minerals and proteins, this panel will assess kidney function and health. The renal panel tests include the renal enzymes, which are the electrolytes: sodium, potassium, and chloride. Also included are: carbon dioxide, inorganic phosphorus, glucose, creatinine, blood glucose nitrogen (BUN), and the calculated BUN/Creatinine ratio. When the Cystatin C test is ordered as a part of renal function assessment, we also provide the calculated eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) that is not affected by age, race or BMI.

 

When should this test be ordered?
The renal panel is often ordered as a part of an annual physical or checkup, for early detection of disease, especially in diabetics or patients with coronary artery disease or heart problems.
The normal glucose of 70-100 mg/dL given below is for a fasting serum sample.
High Risk · <= 9 & >=21
Your healthcare practitioner will take into account each test result to determine course of treatment. If the patient is dehydrated values may be falsely elevated. See normal ranges below.
Borderline Risk ·
None determined for these assays.
Low Risk · 10-20
Sodium: 136-145 mmol/L K+: 3.5-5.1 mmol/L Chloride: 98-107mmol/L
CO2: 22-29 mmol/L Phosphorus: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL Calcium: 8.2-10.2 mg/dL
BUN: 6-23 mg/dL Creatinine: 0.5-0.9 mg/dL Glucose: 70-100 mg/dL
Testing Method Used
Roche c501 Chemistry and Ion Selective Electrodes
Sample is stable 3 days at 2-8°C
Please ship samples daily.
Improvements and Prevention
Always remain well hydrated, get plenty of sunshine to keep vitamin D levels high, exercise, eat a diet high on phytonutrients (colored fruits and vegetables), avoid alcohol, keep your blood pressure in check, and reduce stress.
Specimen Type
Serum
Fasting Required
No, but may be ordered with tests that require fasting
Drawing and Processing
  1. Draw from a vein into and SST tube
  2. Invert tube (do not shake) 1-2 times to mix adequately
  3. Let stand upright in tube rack for 30 minutes
  4. Centrifuge for 15 minutes at 3300rpm
  5. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour
  6. Keep cold in a refrigerator to maintain stability, until ready to ship
Shipping Instructions
  1. Freeze ice packs 24 hours prior to use
  2. Place ice packs inside the Styrofoam insulated kit
  3. Place processed tubes inside biohazard bag, place inside kit
  4. Seal box, print airbill and adhere to box and wait for courier to pick up
Rejection Criteria
QNS; temperature out of range upon receipt; grossly hemolyzed or lipemic; wrong specimen type; sample stability exceeded for this analyte; unlabeled or mislabeled specimen.
References
  1. Roche package insert
  2. American Association for Clinical Chemistry