Which laboratory test is commonly used to check for renal function?

Creatinine is a key laboratory test commonly used to assess renal function. This test measures the level of creatinine in the blood, which is a waste product produced from muscle metabolism and is usually excreted by the kidneys. Elevated creatinine levels often indicate impaired kidney function, as the kidneys may not be effectively filtering waste from the bloodstream. Monitoring creatinine levels can help healthcare providers evaluate the severity of renal impairment and make informed decisions about treatment and management of kidney-related health issues.

In contrast, hemoglobin primarily measures the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells and is not directly related to kidney function. PT/INR (Prothrombin Time/International Normalized Ratio) is used to evaluate blood coagulation and is not indicative of renal function. A complete blood count provides information about various components of the blood, such as red and white blood cells and platelets, but does not specifically assess renal function.