Kidney Function Test Singapore

Kidney disease refers to the gradual loss of kidney function over time. The kidneys are vital organs that filter waste and excess fluids from your blood, which are then excreted through urine. When the kidneys are damaged, harmful wastes can build up in the body, potentially leading to health complications. Early detection through kidney function tests can prevent the progression of kidney disease.

In Singapore, kidney disease is a significant health concern, with high rates of both diabetes-induced and general kidney failure. Here's a closer look at the statistics highlighting the country's battle against kidney disease:

• Singapore has one of the world's highest rates of diabetes-induced kidney failure.
• It ranks second in terms of prevalence, which indicates a large number of existing cases of kidney failure.
• The country also ranks fifth globally in the incidence rate of kidney failure, which reflects the number of new cases diagnosed each year.
• Approximately 500,000 individuals in Singapore suffer from kidney disease, putting them at increased risk of progressing towards kidney failure.

Lifestyle factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure contribute to the risk of developing kidney disease. It's important for residents to be aware of their kidney health and seek regular screening, especially those in high-risk groups.

Testing for kidney function involves several types of diagnostics that help assess the health of your kidneys:

Blood Test for Kidney Function

Understanding how a blood test for kidney function works is essential for monitoring kidney health. This test provides critical insights into how well your kidneys are filtering your blood and maintaining electrolyte balance.

• Sodium, Potassium, Chloride: These are electrolytes that help regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue. Abnormal levels of these electrolytes can indicate kidney dysfunction, as healthy kidneys maintain the proper balance of electrolytes in the blood.
• Urea (BUN - Blood Urea Nitrogen): Urea is a waste product formed from the breakdown of proteins. The BUN test measures how much urea nitrogen is present in your blood. High levels can suggest that your kidneys are not effectively removing waste, which could indicate kidney damage or dysfunction.
• Creatinine: This waste product is generated from muscle metabolism and is usually filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. High creatinine levels may be a sign of impaired kidney function.
• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): This test calculates how much blood the kidneys filter each minute, adjusted for body size. eGFR is a key indicator of kidney function. Lower values can indicate kidney damage or decreased kidney efficiency.
• iPTH Hormone (Intact Parathyroid Hormone): This hormone helps regulate calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D levels in the blood and bone. It is often measured to evaluate parathyroid function and calcium metabolism disorders, which can be affected by kidney health. Abnormal levels can be associated with kidney disease, as the kidneys are involved in activating vitamin D, which controls iPTH secretion.

Urine Test for Kidney Function

A urine test for kidney function is a simple yet effective diagnostic tool used to assess kidney health. This test is particularly important for detecting early signs of kidney damage and can be easily incorporated into regular health screenings.

• Detection of Protein or Albumin: The presence of protein or albumin in your urine is one of the main markers this test looks for. Protein in the urine, also known as proteinuria, can be an early indicator of kidney damage.
• Glucose Levels: Glucose in the urine can indicate that the kidneys are not reabsorbing sugar effectively, which can be a sign of kidney damage, particularly in the context of diabetes.
• Specific Gravity: This measures how concentrated particles are in your urine. Abnormal levels can indicate that the kidneys are not properly regulating water and salt balance, which is crucial for kidney function.
• Presence of Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): Red blood cells in the urine can suggest glomerular damage, a condition where the filtering units of the kidneys are damaged.
• White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): Their presence can indicate an infection or inflammation within the kidneys or urinary tract, affecting kidney function.

Kidney problems can manifest through various symptoms, although it's possible to have kidney issues without any noticeable signs. A non-exhaustive list of symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Reduced appetite
• Tiredness and weakness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes in urination frequency
• Reduced mental clarity
• Muscle spasms
• Swollen feet and ankles
• Dry, itchy skin
• High blood pressure that is hard to manage
• Difficulty breathing if fluid accumulates in the lungs
• Chest discomfort if fluid gathers around the heart lining

If you experience any of these symptoms, please consider consulting a doctor. Early detection and treatment can significantly influence the management and outcome of kidney disease.

A blood test at our clinic usually lasts between 30-60 minutes during off-peak periods. Your results will be ready in 3-5 days and sent to you via email.

ATA Medical is conveniently located at two different locations:

• Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic (Closest MRT: Tanjong Pagar EW15)
• Orchard Clinic (Closest MRT: Orchard Boulevard TE13)

We can also provide home health screening or blood tests at your location at your convenience. Alternatively, you can consider going for our routine and comprehensive health screening packages. Our Royal ($667*) and Jewel ($1415*), and Marvel ($2289*) package have various blood and ultrasound tests bundled with them.

*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.