Even people who know a lot about their own health may not understand the ways blood test results relate to kidney function. One common group of blood tests is called a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). Your doctor may order a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel as part of a regular check-up, or to learn more about certain health concerns.
The kidneys work to filter your blood, remove waste and keep electrolytes in balance. Unusual levels in your blood can point to possible kidney problems.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel results are packed with information. We’ll look how some of that information ties into your kidney health:
Creatinine
Creatinine is a normal waste product that comes from your muscles. Your kidneys usually filter creatinine out of your blood, but it can build up if your kidneys aren’t working well. High levels of creatinine may be a sign that your kidneys are struggling.
A normal serum creatinine range is between 0.7 and 1.3 mg/dL for adult men and between 0.6 and 1.1 mg/dL for adult women.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Urea Nitrogen is a waste product that forms when your body breaks down protein. Like creatinine, your kidneys usually filter urea nitrogen out of your blood. If your kidneys are not working well, the BUN number might be higher.
BUN can go up for other reasons, such as a person being dehydrated or eating a lot of protein. Medical professionals examine BUN and creatinine together to understand how well your kidneys are working.
“A normal BUN level depends on your age and other health conditions, but usually ranges from 7 to 20,” according to the CDC. “If your BUN level is higher than normal, this may be a sign that your kidneys aren't working well.”
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
Blood test results can include an estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate or eGFR. This isn’t a direct measurement, but a calculation based on your creatinine level and factoring in your age and sex.
The normal range for eGFR is between 60 and 120. If the eGFR is under 60, it may mean you have kidney disease.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals with an electrical charge. They are important in many functions of the body. These include:
Sodium: The normal range for blood sodium levels is between 135 and 145 mEq/L.
Potassium: The normal range for potassium levels is between 3.7 and 5.2 mEq/L.
Chloride: The normal range for chloride is between 96 and 106 mEq/L.
Different laboratories have different ways of measuring and there are many factors that can affect measurements. If you have concerns about your Comprehensive Metabolic Panel results, talk with your medical provider.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has a useful resource for understanding a variety of test results; the worksheet “Your Kidney Test Results” has information about eGFR, Serum Albumin, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), several electrolytes and more. It is available in English and Spanish.
Even if you feel well, a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel can detect health issues without symptoms and can give your medical team a way of tracking your kidney function and other bodily processes over time.
Read more about medical tests related to kidney function:
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