Which laboratory test is commonly used to assess kidney function?

Serum creatinine is a critical laboratory test commonly used to assess kidney function because it measures the level of creatinine in the blood, a waste product that comes from muscle metabolism. The kidneys filter out creatinine, and therefore, elevated levels in the blood can indicate impaired kidney function or kidney disease.

While blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is also an important test for assessing kidney function, it is influenced by various factors such as diet, hydration status, and liver function. Serum creatinine offers a more direct reflection of kidney filtering ability. Urinalysis primarily provides information about the composition of urine and can indicate possible kidney problems, but it is not directly a measure of kidney function. Liver function tests assess the health of the liver and do not provide information about kidney performance.

Using serum creatinine, healthcare providers can better evaluate kidney health and make more informed decisions regarding patient management.