Compare the leading brands testing Kidney Function

Your kidneys help your body to keep in balance and have many jobs includes removing water and waste products from your body, balancing the minerals in the body, controlling blood pressure, promoting the production of red blood cells, and producing a form of Vitamin D that helps to maintain healthy bones.

It is estimated that they filter around 200 litres of fluid every 24 hours, which is why when they are not functioning as well as they should be, you can feel some of the symptoms of kidney disease.

As your kidneys are a very important organ in your body, you can get a health test before you feel any symptoms to understand how your kidneys are functioning, and if there are signs of problems, to seek medical treatment or make lifestyle changes.

What is kidney disease?

Kidney disease, or the milder form which  kidney damage, is a condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should. It can be mild, but develop into a chronic condition if left untreated, which can lead to kidney failure which is where the kidneys stop working altogether.

What are the symptoms of Kidney disease?

Kidney disease has very mild symptoms in the early stages which is why it’s important to get a health test, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or family history of kidney disease, to understand whether they are functioning as well as they could be.

If your kidneys are not working properly, symptoms include:

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
• Chronic fatigue
• Urinating less frequently or producing a reduced volume of urine
• Nausea
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Seizures
• Fluid retention
• Chest pain

How do I get tested for my Kidney Function?

You can discover how your kidneys are functioning with a simple blood test for kidney health, either through a home diabetes test or at a local clinic with an expert professional. The kidney blood test will measure the biomarkers blood, with the results confirming how your kidneys are functioning and whether there are any signs of kidney disease.

You can also use a kidney function blood test to check whether your kidney function is improving if you have made lifestyle changes or on medication to remedy kidney problems.

The health test will test for some, or all, of the following biomarkers:

• Urea:
  Urea is waste product, commonly found in urine. It is produced by the liver when it breaks down proteins, which is then transported to the kidneys from removal. By checking the amount of Urea in the blood can show the functionality and health of both the liver and the kidneys.
• Creatinine:
  Creatine is a waste product made by your muscles as part of everyday, regular activity. Sports people have higher levels of creatinine in their blood due to the increased physical activity, however, increased levels in non-athletes can be a indicator of kidney disease.
• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR):
  EGFR measures how well the kidneys are performing by estimating the amount of blood being filtered through them. If the small filters in the kidneys, called glomeruli, are not working properly, kidney function can be reduced and lead to kidney disease.

Key points:

• Your kidneys help your body to keep in balance and have many jobs including removing water and waste products from your body.
• If you kidneys are not working as they should be, this can lead to Kidney disease, which left untreated can lead to kidney failure where the kidneys stop working altogether.
• Kidney disease has very mild symptoms in the early stages which is why it’s important to get a health test, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or family history of kidney disease.
• You can receive your results to your kidney function test within 24 hours.

How a Sample is Taken

For a Kidney Function health test, a sample of your blood is taken and tested for Urea, Creatinine and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR) biomarkers, which look at how your kidneys are functioning.

With most health tests, there are two options for taking a sample of blood, which is used to test for certain biomarkers. The two most common options are a finger-prick or venous draw:

Finger prick Draw:
Health Tests that take blood via the ‘finger-prick’ method are usually done within the comfort of your own home, enabling you to take a small amount of blood discreetly and conveniently when you want to.  

Venous Draw:
Once you have booked your health test, you’ll be sent the blood kit which includes all the equipment needed for a professional blood draw by an experienced healthcare professional, with clinics available across the UK to take your sample.

Details about which option is available for this health test, are available when you compare the results.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How severe is kidney disease?

  If your kidneys are not working as well as they should be, waste products can build up in your body which causes symptoms including swelling in your ankles, nausea, weakness, and shortness of breath. Left untreated, your kidneys can deteriorate further and stop working altogether.

• Can kidney disease be reversed?

  If there are no other health problems and the kidney disease is mild, it is possible for kidneys to repair themselves and stop the condition getting worse.

• What age can you get kidney disease?

  Kidney disease can develop at any time, although it is common for people over the age of 60 to develop some form of kidney disease. This is due to aging and the kidneys themselves aging. It is common for people who have diabetes, or high blood pressure, to develop kidney disease, and if there is a family history of kidney problems.

• What are the symptoms of a failing kidney?

  The symptoms of kidney failure, where the kidney is not working, includes fluid retention, urinating less, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, nausea, weakness and an irregular heartbeat. If you have any of these symptoms, please seek medical advice immediately.

• Can I check my kidney function at home?

  Yes, you can take a health test at home which will test your blood for levels of key biomarkers. Blood is taken via the ‘finger-prick’ method within the comfort of your own home, enabling you to take a small amount of blood discreetly and conveniently when you want to. Once you have taken the test, post it back to the provider who will then send you the results in 48-72hours.