When managing chronic kidney disease (CKD), regular blood tests are essential. Blood test results help monitor your kidney function and prevent complications. But for many patients, test reports filled with unfamiliar numbers and medical terms can be confusing. In this post, we’ll break down key blood test markers so that anyone can understand what these numbers mean.
🔑 Key Blood Test Markers and How to Interpret Them
✅ eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
eGFR shows how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood.
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Normal: 90 or higher
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Borderline: 60–89 (a slight decline is common with age)
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Concerning: Below 60 (may indicate kidney dysfunction)
💡 Higher eGFR is better. Pay attention to trends in your eGFR over time. A rapid decline should prompt a visit to your doctor.
✅ Creatinine
Creatinine is a waste product from muscles, and your kidneys filter it out. When kidney function drops, creatinine levels rise.
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Normal range: Men 0.7–1.2 mg/dL, Women 0.5–1.0 mg/dL
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Elevated levels: May signal kidney problems
💡 If creatinine is elevated, consider factors like hydration, diet, and medications, and consult your healthcare provider.
✅ Potassium
Potassium is an important electrolyte for heart and muscle function.
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Normal: 3.5–5.0 mEq/L
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High: Over 5.0 mEq/L (risk of hyperkalemia)
💡 CKD patients are at risk of high potassium. Monitor intake of potassium-rich foods like bananas and oranges, and follow your doctor’s advice on testing.
✅ Hemoglobin (Hb)
Hemoglobin levels show if you have anemia, which is common in CKD.
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Normal: Men ≥ 13 g/dL, Women ≥ 12 g/dL
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Low levels: Possible anemia, which can cause fatigue and dizziness
💡 If your Hb is low, your doctor may recommend iron supplements or medication like erythropoietin.
📝 How to Use Your Blood Test Results
✔ Track your numbers
Record your test results by date. A simple note on your phone or notebook can help you and your doctor see changes over time.
✔ Ask questions
If your numbers change or if you’re unsure what they mean, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor.
Example: “My creatinine is higher this time — should we do more tests?”
✔ Review your lifestyle
Blood test results reflect your diet, hydration, medications, and more. When numbers change, think about recent habits that could have affected them.
💡 How often should you get blood tests?
For most CKD patients, every 3 to 6 months is typical. If your kidney function declines quickly or if potassium or hemoglobin levels are abnormal, your doctor may recommend testing every 1 to 2 months.
🌱 Final thoughts: Understand your numbers, protect your health
Your blood test results aren’t just numbers — they’re important signals about your health. By learning to read these markers and discussing them with your healthcare team, you can take control of your kidney disease management and live a healthier life.
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