Renal Assays Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the primary function of the kidneys?
To maintain homeostasis
The kidneys regulate water and electrolyte balance, conserve nutrients, excrete waste products, produce hormones, and aid in vitamin D activation.
What does BUN stand for?
Blood Urea Nitrogen
BUN levels evaluate kidney function by assessing the renal filtration system’s ability to remove urea.
What can cause increased BUN levels aside from renal disease?
- Dehydration
- High protein diets
- Strenuous exercise
These factors can lead to increased retention of urea in the blood.
What is creatinine (CREA) a by-product of?
Metabolic breakdown of creatine in skeletal muscle
Creatinine levels indicate kidney function, with increased levels suggesting decreased renal function.
Which is considered the number one renal function test?
Creatinine (CREA)
CREA is not affected by diet, making it a more reliable indicator of kidney health than BUN.
What conditions can cause abnormal BUN and creatinine levels?
- Dehydration
- Kidney infection
- Kidney failure
- Toxic injury to the kidneys
- Urinary blockage
- Shock
- Severe heart disease
- Muscle wasting or severe weight loss
These conditions impact kidney function and can lead to elevated waste levels.
What does a specific gravity of 1.010 suggest?
A renal cause for evaluation
Higher specific gravity may suggest prerenal or postrenal causes.
What substance is used in avian species instead of BUN?
Uric acid
Dalmatians have a defect in uric acid uptake, leading to uric acid excretion instead of allantoin.
What are the two groups of pancreatic assays?
- Exocrine (acinar)
- Endocrine
Exocrine assays produce digestive enzymes, while endocrine assays produce hormones.
What is the role of amylase?
Breaks down starch and glucose
Amylase is one of the digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas.
What does fructosamine measure?
Glucose bound to proteins (albumin)
High fructosamine levels indicate persistent hyperglycemia over 1-2 weeks.
What does the glycosylated hemoglobin test reflect?
Glucose concentrations over the lifespan of an erythrocyte
This reflects glucose levels over approximately 3-4 months in dogs and 2-3 months in cats.
What does the glucose tolerance test indicate when glucose remains high in the blood?
Diabetes mellitus
This test challenges the pancreas with glucose to assess its function.
What is the function of trypsin?
Catalyzes the breakdown of proteins in ingested food
Trypsin levels are more detectable in feces than in blood.
What does an increase in creatine kinase (CK) indicate?
Myopathies, muscle necrosis, or heartworm
CK testing cannot determine the specific muscle damage or its severity.
What are electrolytes?
Positively or negatively charged particles in the body
They play roles in water balance, nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction, and enzyme activation.
What is hyponatremia?
Decreased sodium levels
The most common cause in dogs and cats is prolonged vomiting and/or diarrhea.
What is the main cation of extracellular fluid?
Sodium
Sodium is crucial for water distribution and pH regulation.
What does hyperkalemia result in?
Increased cell excitability
This can lead to abnormal heart rates and rhythms.
What is the preferred sample type for potassium testing?
Plasma
Platelets may release potassium during clotting, increasing serum potassium levels.
What are the two forms of phosphorus?
- Organic (in RBC)
- Inorganic (extracellular)
Inorganic phosphorus is the form measured and provides insight into the body’s phosphorus stores.
What is the role of bicarbonate in the body?
Associated with acid/base balance
Bicarbonate levels can indicate metabolic health.
What condition may hypocalcemia indicate?
Eclampsia or milk fever
It can be seen in diabetic patients.
