The kidneys play a vital role in excreting waste products and toxins, such as urea, creatinine, and uric acid. They also regulate extracellular fluid volume, serum osmolality, and electrolyte concentrations and produce hormones such as erythropoietin, 1,25 dihydroxy vitamin D, and renin. The functional unit of the kidney is the nephron, which consists of the glomerulus, proximal and distal tubules, and collecting duct. Assessing renal function is crucial in treating patients with kidney disease or pathologies affecting renal function. Renal function tests are useful for identifying the presence of renal disease, monitoring the response of kidneys to treatment, and determining the progression of renal disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, the overall prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is approximately 14%. Globally, the most common causes of CKD are hypertension and diabetes. This resource provides an update on the relevant biochemical tests for assessing renal function.
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