Description
Kidney Blood Test – Protect Your Vital Health
Your kidneys are essential for keeping your body in balance. They work around the clock to filter waste and toxins from your blood, regulate fluid and electrolyte levels, and help control your blood pressure. Despite how crucial they are, kidney problems can develop slowly and often without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages — making regular testing all the more important.
A kidney blood test is a quick and effective way to check how well your kidneys are functioning. It can help identify early signs of damage or disease, allowing you to take action before serious issues develop. This test measures key markers in your blood that reflect how well your kidneys are filtering waste and maintaining balance in your body.
Why take a kidney blood test?
Kidney disease is often silent in the early stages, which means you could be unaware there’s an issue until it’s progressed. Early detection is key to managing the condition and preventing long-term damage. Whether you have symptoms or not, testing your kidney function gives you peace of mind and the opportunity to make lifestyle changes if needed.
Who should consider this test?
You may be at higher risk of kidney disease if you have one or more of the following factors:
- High blood pressure – A leading cause of kidney damage, often without noticeable symptoms.
- Diabetes – High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in your kidneys over time.
- Smoking – Reduces blood flow to the kidneys and increases your risk of chronic disease.
- Excess alcohol consumption – Can lead to high blood pressure and liver problems that strain the kidneys.
- Frequent use of certain medications – Especially painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs that can affect kidney function.
- Family history of kidney disease – Your genetic makeup may increase your risk.
- Heart disease – Heart and kidney health are closely linked.
- Older age – Kidney function naturally declines as we age.
If any of these apply to you, or if you simply want to stay proactive about your health, this test is a smart step.
Take control of your health
By checking your kidney function with a blood test, you can spot potential problems early, make informed decisions about your lifestyle, and take steps to protect your long-term wellbeing. It’s a small test with big impact.
How often should I have a kidney blood test?
We recommend testing your kidney health yearly so that if you have early kidney disease, it can be treated right away. Early stage kidney disease doesn’t always show any symptoms.
Other Questions
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Frequent use of medication
- Family history of kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Older age
- Heart disease
This blood test is to check on:
-
Kidney health
For best results (if medically suitable) it is advisable to fast (water is allowed) 12 hours prior to the test.
Collection method: Venous blood
Results available: 1-2 days after the sample has reached the laboratory.
Urea
Urea is usually passed out through urine. It is a waste product from the breakdown of amino acids found in proteins.
Higher than normal levels may be indicative of a kidney problem, low levels may be indicative of dehydration.
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
This test will assess how well your kidneys are working.
Creatinine
Creatinine is usually passed out through urine. It is a breakdown of waste products made from the muscles.
A high level may be indicative of a kidney problem, however this does depend on muscle mass. Usually if a high muscle mass the creatinine may be higher. If levels are low it could be due to a low protein diet or reduced muscle mass.
Potassium
Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a key role in many of your body’s most important functions. It helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions — including those of the heart.
Sodium
A sodium blood test measures the amount of sodium in your blood and is commonly used to assess your hydration status, kidney function, and electrolyte balance. It’s a key biomarker in evaluating how well your body is managing fluid levels.
How it Works
1. Order a Test
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
Our nurse will contact you for dates, so they can take your blood sample at your home.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
2. Our laboratory team run the tests
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
3. Receive Your Results within 7 days
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
4. Monitor your levels over time
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
