Kidney Function

Why have a kidney function blood test?

A Kidney Function Blood Test evaluates how well your kidneys filter waste and maintain fluid balance. It's crucial for detecting kidney disease early or monitoring existing conditions to prevent complications.

What is kidney function?

Kidneys filter waste from blood, regulate electrolytes and blood pressure, and produce hormones essential for red blood cell production and bone health. Maintaining kidney function ensures overall health and well-being.

Who may be at risk?

Those with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, older adults, and individuals taking medications that affect kidney function are at higher risk of kidney impairment.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of poor kidney function include swelling (edema), fatigue, changes in urine output or appearance (color or foaminess), difficulty concentrating, decreased appetite, and muscle cramps due to electrolyte imbalance.

How does the blood test work and what do my results mean?

A Kidney Function Blood Test measures levels of creatinine, BUN, electrolytes, and other markers in your blood. Kidney function tests can be used to screen for kidney infections, monitor the progression of a disease, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), and determine how well a treatment is working. They can also measure the severity of a disease, particularly scarring of the kidney (nephrosis), and monitor side effects of medications. A creatinine level above 1.2 mg/dL in women may indicate impaired kidney function. Your healthcare provider interprets results to assess kidney health, determine disease progression, or adjust treatment plans as needed.

Having a kidney function blood test is a key step in taking control of your health and preventing kidney disease.

Please note that a kidney function blood test is the only one of our tests that cannot be offered in a home testing kit.

Click below to download a PDF booklet with information on all of the health tests we offer: