Why Lab Work Matters on Dialysis
If you’re on dialysis, you’ve probably heard your care team talk about lab results. These tests aren’t just numbers, they’re a vital part of monitoring your health and making sure your treatment is working.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most common lab tests for dialysis patients and help you understand what they mean.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine
What it measures: Waste products in your blood
Why it matters: High levels can mean your body isn’t clearing waste properly.
What dialysis does: Helps remove these waste products during each session.
Tip: Your care team monitors these levels to adjust your dialysis prescription as needed.
Potassium (K+)
What it measures: A mineral that helps your heart and muscles work
Why it matters: Too much or too little potassium can be dangerous—especially for your heart.
How dialysis helps: Dialysis removes excess potassium from your blood.
Patient Tip: Be mindful of high-potassium foods like bananas, potatoes, and tomatoes.
Phosphorus
What it measures: A mineral that works with calcium to keep bones strong
Why it matters: High phosphorus can lead to bone and heart problems.
How to manage it: Dialysis only removes some phosphorus—diet and binders help too.
Ask Your Dietitian: About low-phosphorus foods and phosphate binders.
Hemoglobin (Hgb)
What it measures: The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen
Why it matters: Low levels may mean anemia, which can cause fatigue.
Treatment: You may receive medications like EPO or iron supplements during dialysis.
Albumin
What it measures: A protein that indicates your nutritional health
Why it matters: Low albumin can mean poor nutrition or inflammation.
How to improve: Eat enough protein-rich, kidney-friendly foods.
Tip: Talk to your clinic dietitian for personalized nutrition support.
Calcium and Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
What they measure: Bone health and how your body regulates minerals
Why it matters: CKD affects how your body balances calcium, phosphorus, and PTH.
Treatment: May include vitamin D, phosphate binders, or other medications.
Talk to Your Care Team
Always feel comfortable asking your nurse, dietitian, or nephrologist about your lab results. Understanding your labs helps you take an active role in your care and that’s powerful.
Final Thoughts
Lab work is an essential part of managing your dialysis treatment. Knowing what your numbers mean helps you stay informed, ask better questions, and make healthier choices.
Have Questions About Your Lab Results or Dialysis Care?
We’re here to help. If you have any questions or need personalized support, contact our care team today, we’re just a call or click away.