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Kidney Function Test at Home

Check your kidney health from the comfort of home. Creatinine, eGFR, urea and electrolytes — all tested from a single venous blood draw by a professional phlebotomist.

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What a Kidney Function Test Measures

A renal profile checks how effectively your kidneys filter waste and maintain electrolyte balance.

MarkerWhat It ShowsNormal Range
CreatinineMuscle waste product filtered by kidneys59 - 104 μmol/L (men), 45 - 84 μmol/L (women)
eGFREstimated kidney filtration rateAbove 90 mL/min
UreaProtein waste product2.5 - 7.8 mmol/L
SodiumFluid balance electrolyte136 - 145 mmol/L
PotassiumHeart and muscle function electrolyte3.5 - 5.1 mmol/L

Who Needs a Kidney Function Test?

People with diabetes

Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. Annual kidney function testing is recommended for all diabetic patients.

People with high blood pressure

Uncontrolled hypertension damages the kidneys over time. Regular eGFR monitoring catches decline early.

Those on certain medications

NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, lithium and some antibiotics can affect kidney function. Regular monitoring is important.

Over 60s

Kidney function naturally declines with age. Baseline testing and periodic monitoring help detect problems early.

How It Works

1

Book online

Enter your postcode, choose a time slot, and select the kidney function panel. No GP referral required.

2

Phlebotomist visits you

A DBS-checked mobile phlebotomist arrives at your home and collects a venous blood sample in under 10 minutes.

3

Results delivered

Your sample is dispatched to an accredited laboratory the same day. Results typically within one to three working days.

Preparation Tips

Fasting is not usually required, but stay well hydrated.

Avoid excessive protein intake for 24 hours before the test, as it can temporarily raise creatinine.

Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test.

Tell your phlebotomist about any medications you are taking, especially NSAIDs or blood pressure drugs.

Wear loose sleeves for easy access to your arm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a kidney function test measure?

A kidney function test (also called a renal profile or U&E panel) measures creatinine, urea, eGFR and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate). These markers show how effectively your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood and maintaining electrolyte balance.

Do I need to fast before a kidney function test?

Fasting is not usually required for a standard kidney function test. However, staying well hydrated is important as dehydration can temporarily affect creatinine and eGFR results. If additional tests are being run alongside, your clinician will advise.

What is eGFR and why is it important?

eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) is calculated from your creatinine level, age, sex and ethnicity. It estimates how much blood your kidneys filter per minute. A normal eGFR is above 90 mL/min. Values below 60 mL/min for three months or more may indicate chronic kidney disease (CKD).

How often should kidney function be tested?

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney disease, annual testing is recommended. If you are already diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, your doctor will advise more frequent monitoring — typically every 3 to 6 months depending on the stage.

Can kidney disease be detected early with a blood test?

Yes. Kidney disease often has no symptoms in the early stages. Regular blood testing for creatinine and eGFR can detect declining kidney function before symptoms appear, allowing early intervention to slow or prevent progression.

Book Your Kidney Function Test Today

Find a DBS-checked phlebotomist near you. Most bookings confirmed in under two minutes.

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Related reading: Understanding Kidney Function Tests