Which laboratory test is commonly used to assess kidney function?

The Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) is a commonly used laboratory test for assessing kidney function because it measures several important substances in the blood, including electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine. These substances provide crucial information about the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood. Specifically, elevated levels of BUN and creatinine can indicate impaired kidney function or kidney disease.

The BMP is useful not only in evaluating kidney function but also in helping to assess metabolic status, including acid-base balance and electrolyte levels. The other panels—Complete Blood Count (CBC), Lipid Panel, and Liver Function Test (LFT)—do not provide direct measurements related to kidney function. The CBC evaluates blood cells, the Lipid Panel assesses cholesterol levels, and the LFT focuses on liver health, making them less relevant for assessing kidney function specifically.