Which blood test assesses kidney function?

The serum creatinine test is specifically designed to evaluate kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product that is generated from normal muscle metabolism and is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Measuring the levels of creatinine in the blood provides insight into how well the kidneys are performing their vital role in filtering and eliminating waste products from the body.

An elevated level of serum creatinine typically indicates that the kidneys may not be functioning properly, which can be a sign of conditions such as kidney disease or renal impairment. Therefore, this test is a crucial component in the assessment of kidney health and function, making it the correct choice for evaluating renal status.

In contrast, the complete blood count focuses on the cellular components of blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and is not directly involved with kidney function. The liver enzyme test evaluates the health of the liver and its metabolic functions, while the thyroid function test assesses the activity of the thyroid gland and its hormones. None of these tests provide direct information regarding renal function as the serum creatinine test does.