Which test is most commonly used to assess renal function?

The most commonly used test to assess renal function is serum creatinine. This test measures the level of creatinine, a waste product produced by muscle metabolism, in the blood. Creatinine is freely filtered by the kidneys, and its level in the blood provides a useful indication of how well the kidneys are functioning.

When kidney function declines, creatinine levels in the blood increase because the kidneys are less able to filter this waste product from the blood. Therefore, serum creatinine is routinely tested as part of kidney function assessments, providing a straightforward and effective measure to evaluate renal performance.

While blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is also used to assess kidney function, it can be influenced by factors unrelated to renal health, such as protein intake and dehydration. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a more specific measure of kidney function and provides insights into the filtering capability of the kidneys, but the serum creatinine test is simpler and more frequently utilized in routine clinical practice. The electrolyte panel assesses the balance of essential minerals in the body and is not specific for renal function.

Thus, measuring serum creatinine is an integral part of assessing kidney health, making it the primary choice in clinical settings.