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Monitoring Your Lab Results

A group of blood tests are regularly taken to check certain substances in your blood. Your doctor and nurse will check the results. The doctor will talk to you about your results and any changes to your treatment that may be needed.

lab results
Know your kidney function numbers
Even if you’re not a “numbers” person, it’s important to have a basic understanding of your hemodialysis labs and kidney function numbers. This way, you can know if you’re meeting your goals or if there is anything you need to do to help improve your results.
The top two indicators: Kt/V and URR

While there are several tests that monitor your kidney function and overall health, Kt/V and URR are key ways to monitor the effectiveness of your dialysis treatment.

  • Kt/V

    Kt/V should be at least 1.2 or above. Kt/V stands for clearance multiplied by time divided by volume. This measure allows your doctor to understand how well waste has been removed by your dialysis treatment.

  • URR

    URR should be at least 65%. URR stands for urea reduction ratio. It is a percentage based on how much blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was removed during a dialysis treatment. It indicates how effectively urea and other waste products have been removed from your blood.

When Kt/V and URR are low
If your Kt/V and URR numbers are below the recommended levels, your doctor will adjust your dialysis treatment to improve waste removal from your blood by:
  • Checking to make sure you have good vascular access.
  • Increasing the blood flow rate through the dialyzer.
  • Increasing the duration or frequency of dialysis. For example, if your treatments have been 3 hours in length, they may be increased to 4 hours.
Your lab tests and what they track
While Kt/V and URR are important, they’re not the only tests you need to know about.

Below is a basic chart of common blood tests for people receiving dialysis. Your tests may be similar. The chart shows what the tests measure, but you should ask your nurse or doctor to explain your own tests in more detail. And be sure to ask them what your lab test goals are. If you’re not meeting your goals, ask what you can do to improve your results.
Know your labs What does the test measure? Dialysis treatment Heart health Bone health Nutrition
Kt/V Kt/V
Kt/V stands for clearance multiplied by time divided by volume. Kt/V should be at least 1.2 or above. This measure allows your doctor to understand how well waste has been removed by your dialysis treatment.
Urea Reduction Ratio Urea Reduction Ratio
URR should be at least 65% — URR stands for urea reduction ratio. It is a percentage based on how much blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was removed during a dialysis treatment. It indicates how effectively waste products are removed from your blood.
Hemoglobin Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin(Hb) is an iron-rich protein found in red blood cells. A low level of Hb means you are anemic. Your doctor may review your Erythroprotein (EPO) dose, or iron levels.
Potassium Potassium
Potassium plays an important role in managing your heart beat. Potassium levels which are too high or too low may have a bad effect on your heart.
Albumin Albumin
Albumin gives an indication of how well-nourished you are or if you have chronic inflammation.
Phosphorus Phosphorus
Phosphorus and calcium levels help your doctor to determine the right dose of phosphate binders for you. Getting the levels right may help reduce or correct renal bone disease.
Calcium Calcium
Sodium Sodium
High sodium levels can cause thirst, fluid gains and high blood pressure. Low sodium levels may cause cramps.
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