Kidney function test

Why regular kidney function testing is important: Using at-home kits for early detection

If you have been diagnosed with kidney (renal) disease and want to monitor your kidney function, are in a high-risk group, have high blood pressure, diabetes, or you simply want to check your kidney function as part of a general health check-up, our easy to use kidney function test is available for early detection.

How at-home kidney function test kits monitor your urea and electrolytes levels

The Kidney function test kit checks for specific biomarkers in your blood. These include:

• Urea is produced when the body breaks down proteins in the liver. Urea is transported to the kidneys, which remove it from the body as urine. Urea levels in the blood can be used to see how well both the liver and the kidneys are working
• Creatinine is a waste product generated from normal muscle metabolism. It is also an accurate measure of kidney function and may help to diagnose kidney disease
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) estimates the amount of blood filtered through the kidneys and helps to assess how well the kidneys are working. The glomeruli are tiny filters in the kidneys responsible for removing waste products. The eGFR is calculated using your age, gender, ethnicity, and serum creatinine levels

What are the signs that your kidneys are not working properly

The warning signs of kidney disease include:

• Swollen ankles, feet, or hands
• More frequent urination
• Blood in your urine

Kidney damage can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, or a stroke.

How to use a kidney function test kits at home

You can take our Kidney Function Blood Test in the comfort of your home using our finger-prick blood test kit. We’ll send you everything you need, including instructions and a pre-paid return envelope for your blood sample.

What are the benefits of the kidney function blood test?

• The home test kits are assembled within the UK
• All test kits are security sealed with confidential health test results
• All laboratory testing is performed in an ISO:15189 accredited clinical laboratory

Frequently asked questions about kidney function tests

What causes kidney disease?

Kidney disease is often caused by a combination of risk factors which put strain on your kidneys. One of the main causes is diabetes, where excess glucose in the blood damages the filters in the kidneys. Other causes include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and glomerulonephritis, which can cause inflammation in the kidneys. Smoking, being overweight, certain drugs and excess alcohol intake can also increase your risk of getting kidney disease. The risk of kidney disease increases as you get older and is more common in black or of South Asian people.

What is CKD?

CKD (chronic kidney disease) is a long-term condition. It can develop over many years with few symptoms, especially in its early stages. CKD gets worse over time, with the kidneys stopping working altogether. This however does not occur in everyone and many people with CKD continue to live long lives.

Can I take a kidney function test at home?

Yes, you can take our test at home using the finger-prick kidney test kit. We will send you clear instructions and a pre-paid return envelope for your blood sample collection.

What do at-home kidney function test reveal?

This test measures your levels of creatinine and urea. A higher than expected level could be an indication of kidney problems. Your test results also include your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which shows how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. This can tell you if you are likely to have kidney disease, and its estimated stage.

When should I use an at-home kidney function test kit for monitoring my health?

You may have a Kidney Blood Test if you are at a higher risk of kidney disease, due to diabetes, high blood pressure, if you have a family history of kidney disease, or are taking medications that could harm your kidneys, such as NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, or some antibiotics.

How accurate are kidney function home test kits in detecting urea and electrolyte imbalances?

Home kidney function test kits are accurate for detecting creatinine, but not for detecting electrolytes. Home kidney function test kits should not replace regular testing at your GP’s.

How long does it take to get results from an at-home kidney function test?

Your kidney function test results will be available within one working day of receiving your sample at the laboratory.

Can kidney function home test kits be used to track chronic kidney conditions?

Yes, home kidney function test kits can be used to track chronic kidney disease (CKD), but should not replace regular testing at your GP’s.

Can a blood test show kidney disease?

By calculating how well your kidneys are filtering your blood, the home kidney function test can tell you if you are likely to have kidney disease. Healthy kidneys filter about 90ml/min or more of blood. If your eGFR is below this you may have kidney disease.

Urine tests may be also be recommended. Talk to a healthcare professional about the most suitable tests for you and how often they should be performed.

How can I reduce my risk of kidney disease naturally?

Simple lifestyle changes can help to reduce your risk of kidney disease and improve your kidney health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, low in processed foods and salt and staying well hydrated can all help protect your kidneys by helping to clear toxins from your body.