Private Kidney Function Test

Kidney Function Tests assess how well the kidneys are functioning and whether there is any damage or signs of early stages of kidney disease. The blood test measures the levels of urea, creatinine and sodium to assess for signs of any potential abnormalities.

It also measures the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to assess how well the kidneys perform their normal function of filtering the blood and removing waste products while maintaining the correct level of fluids and electrolytes in the body and helping to regulate blood pressure.

When combined, these levels give an overview of kidney health and help detect early signs of kidney disease or other potential kidney illnesses, such as kidney stones, renal cysts, or UTIs.

The kidneys form part of your urinary system and sit in the back of your abdomen below your ribcage. As well as filtering waste material and expelling it as urine, the kidneys play a vital role in producing:

• Hormones that maintain blood pressure
• Red blood cells, which carry oxygen through the body
• Activating vitamin D to maintain bone and muscle health

Although the kidneys have multiple functions in the body, symptoms of kidney dysfunction can be hard to spot in the early stages, so regular kidney function tests can be a good way to monitor overall kidney health.

Kidney function also starts to deteriorate as we age, a condition commonly known as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Regular checks may be needed to ensure you are aware of any changes in the functioning of your kidneys.

Certain medical conditions and medications can also put additional strain on the kidneys, which over time can negatively impact how they function. This means that regular kidney function tests are usually recommended for people with:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• An existing kidney condition, such as kidney stones
• An existing medical condition which means they must take medication known to affect the kidneys

A kidney function test may also be recommended if you have any of the following symptoms, which could indicate a potential problem with how effectively your kidneys are functioning, this includes:

• Swollen ankles, feet or hands
• Weight loss or poor appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained tiredness
• Blood in your urine
• Painful urination
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Problems with starting to urinate

A Kidney Function Test involves taking a blood sample to check certain levels that may indicate an issue with the kidneys' functioning.

A health assessment specialist will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. Once the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected into a test tube, which is then sent to a lab for testing.

The Kidney Function Test consists of several tests from your blood sample. The tests look at the presence of certain substances that can tell you about the state of your kidney’s health and function. The following are included in the analysis:

• Urea Levels – Urea is usually passed out through urine. It is a waste product from the breakdown of amino acids found in proteins. Higher levels of urea in your blood can indicate a kidney problem, while lower levels can indicate dehydration.
• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) – This test assesses how well your kidneys are working. It is used to determine if someone has kidney disease, and if so, at what stage.
• Creatinine Levels – Creatinine is another substance usually passed out in urine. Like urea, it is a waste product, but it is a breakdown of waste products made from the muscles. High levels of creatinine can indicate a problem, although it should be noted that people with a higher muscle mass tend to have slightly higher than average creatinine levels. Low levels, on the other hand, can indicate reduced muscle mass or a low-protein diet.
• Sodium – Sodium is important for the management of blood pressure, but abnormal levels can put your kidneys under greater strain and lead to kidney disease.