Clinical chemistry
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The kidney performs a multitude of essential functions to maintain homeostasis. In clinical medicine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) provides the best index of overall kidney function, and proteinuria adds additional information on renal and nonrenal prognosis. Several novel biomarkers of kidney injury and function are under investigation. ⋯ A variety of methods are available to assist clinicians in the assessment of kidney function and injury. Ongoing investigation will help determine the utility of several new markers and clarify their role in the care of patients with and at risk for kidney disease.