Shedding Light on Kidney Function Tests in Nigeria's Healthcare System
Kidney function tests are crucial diagnostic tools utilized in Nigeria to evaluate the health and performance of the kidneys. These tests play a vital role in identifying various kidney-related disorders, monitoring disease progression, and guiding treatment decisions. Despite their significance, access to kidney function tests in Nigeria is often limited, posing challenges to effective healthcare delivery. One of the primary purposes of kidney function tests is to assess the kidneys' ability to filter waste products and regulate essential substances in the blood. This process involves measuring key parameters such as serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Abnormalities in these markers can indicate underlying kidney dysfunction, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), or electrolyte imbalances. In Nigeria, access to kidney function tests is hindered by various factors, including limited healthcare infrastruct