Kidney Blood Test
Kidney Blood Test
Kidney Blood Test
Kidney Blood Test
Kidney Blood Test
Kidney Blood Test, from our experts to you.
Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGP

Chief Medical Officer meet our doctors

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Kidney health
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Urea Urea is a waste product produced by the body when it breaks down proteins in the liver. Once the urea is made, it is transported to the kidneys, which filter it out of the blood and remove it from the body in the form of urine. Measuring the levels of urea in the blood can therefore reflect how well both the liver and the kidneys, are functioning. It is important to note that even if one kidney is severely damaged but the other is functioning perfectly, results may still return as normal.
Creatinine Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule that is generated from normal muscle metabolism. Measurement of this is an indicator of the levels of other waste products in the body. Creatinine is also an accurate marker of kidney function, and may help in diagnosing kidney disease.
eGFR The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) assesses how well the kidneys are working by estimating the amount of blood filtered through the kidneys. The glomeruli are tiny filters in the kidneys responsible for removing waste products. If these filters do not do their job properly, kidney function can be impaired. The eGFR calculation is an estimate of actual glomerular filtration rate, calculated using your age, gender, ethnicity, and serum creatinine levels.
Sodium We do not report on sodium levels in fingerprick samples. This is because there is a small chance of a lower than expected result.Ê Sodium is both an electrolyte and a mineral. It helps to regulate the water and electrolyte balance of the body, and is therefore an important factor in blood pressure and pH. It also plays an important role in the function of nerves and muscles. Sodium levels in the blood are regulated by the kidneys.

How to prepare
for your test

Special instructions

Prepare for your Kidney Blood Test by following these instructions. Avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours beforehand.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need a Kidney Blood Test?

You may need a Kidney Blood Test if you have been diagnosed with kidney disease and want to monitor your kidney function. Other reasons you may need a Kidney Blood Test include; having high blood pressure and diabetes (as they increase your risk of kidney disease), or you want to test as part of a general check-up.

Can kidney cancer be detected by blood tests?

There isn’t one blood test that can diagnose kidney cancer. However, some blood tests such as a full blood count and blood chemistry test can offer clues and can show signs in the blood that are linked with kidney cancer, such as anaemia and impaired kidney function.

Does a blood test show kidney disease?

The main test for kidney disease is a blood test. Through measuring different biomarkers plus your age, size, gender, and ethnic group to calculate how many millilitres of waste your kidneys should be able to filter in a minute. This calculation is known as your eGFR. Healthy kidneys should be able to filter more than 90ml/min and healthy blood should include a normal level of creatinine.

Kidney health

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