Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA)
SDMA can rise when as little as 25–40% of kidney function is lost and is largely independent of muscle mass, supporting earlier CKD detection and IRIS staging in dogs and cats.
Fact Table
| Species | Canine & Feline |
|---|---|
| Biomarker | Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) |
| Method | Fluorescence immunoassay (FICT) |
| Unit | µg/dL |
| Category | Renal |
Clinical Context
SDMA can rise when as little as 25–40% of kidney function is lost and is largely independent of muscle mass, supporting earlier CKD detection and IRIS staging in dogs and cats.
Interpretation should always combine the quantitative result with the patient's signalment, history, clinical signs, and any other laboratory findings. A single value is rarely diagnostic on its own; serial measurements often provide more useful information.
Reference Range
Reference ranges vary by species, age and laboratory method — always interpret against the kit IFU and your in-house validation.
Related Test Kits
Related Articles
- Early Kidney Disease Detection in Dogs and Cats: SDMA Creatinine waits until 60–70% of kidney function is gone; SDMA catches decline at 25–40% loss. Here's what that earlier window is worth.
- SDMA in Cats: Catching Kidney Disease Early Chronic kidney disease is common in older cats, and creatinine misses it until most function is gone. SDMA catches decline earlier. Here's how.
- Kidney Disease Tests for Dogs and Cats: SDMA and Cystatin C Creatinine misses kidney disease until ~60–75% of function is gone; SDMA and cystatin C catch it at ~25–40% loss. Here's what early screening is worth.
- SDMA and NT-proBNP: Kidney and Heart Markers in Pets A guide to SDMA, cystatin C, NT-proBNP, cPL, CRP, SAA, cortisol and thyroid hormones — reference ranges and how quantitative testing helps.
Manufacturer documentation + clinical literature cited in related articles
2026-09-12
MEDIUM — reference ranges are method-specific
FAQ
What does the Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA) test measure?
Migibio's Symmetric Dimethylarginine (SDMA) test is a quantitative fluorescence immunoassay (FICT) run on the FIA680/FIA880 analyzer. It is intended as an aid in clinical assessment: SDMA can rise when as little as 25–40% of kidney function is lost and is largely independent of muscle mass, supporting earlier CKD detection and IRIS staging in dogs and cats. The exact specimen, sample handling, and reporting units are specified in the kit IFU.
When is SDMA testing most useful?
During senior wellness screening, before nephrotoxic drugs or anaesthesia, and when chronic kidney disease is suspected. Serial measurements and IRIS staging provide the most useful interpretation. For dogs and cats, use the result with the clinical history, physical examination, and any other laboratory findings.
Why does this Data Hub not publish a universal reference range?
Reference ranges vary by species, age and laboratory method — always interpret against the kit IFU and your in-house validation.