The Kidney Function Blood Test evaluates your kidneys' ability to filter waste and maintain a balance of essential substances in your body. This test measures various markers, providing insights into your kidney health and overall metabolic status.

• Creatinine: A waste product from muscle metabolism. Elevated creatinine levels are often associated with decreased kidney function and can be a key indicator of kidney disease.

• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): eGFR measures how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood. A lower eGFR indicates decreased kidney function and is a key marker for diagnosing and monitoring chronic kidney disease.

• Calcium (Adjusted): Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle contraction, and nerve function. Adjusted calcium accounts for albumin levels, providing a more accurate measure. Abnormal levels can indicate bone disorders, kidney disease, or parathyroid dysfunction.

• Chloride: Chloride is an electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure, and acid-base balance in the body. Elevated or decreased levels can indicate dehydration, kidney disease, or metabolic imbalances.

• Magnesium: Magnesium plays a role in nerve and muscle function, as well as energy production. Low levels can cause muscle weakness or irregular heart rhythms, while high levels are often associated with kidney dysfunction.

• Phosphate: Phosphate is crucial for energy production, bone health, and cell function. Elevated levels can occur with kidney disease or hormone imbalances, while low levels may indicate malnutrition or vitamin D deficiency.

• Potassium: Another crucial electrolyte that plays a role in muscle and nerve function. Imbalances in potassium levels can indicate kidney problems and may require immediate attention.

• Sodium: An essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance. Abnormal sodium levels may affect kidney function and overall health.

• Urea: A waste product formed from protein metabolism. Elevated urea levels can signal impaired kidney function.

• Cystatin C: Cystatin C is a protein produced by all cells and filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. It is a sensitive marker for kidney function, often used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Elevated levels indicate impaired kidney function and are especially useful in detecting early-stage kidney disease.

• Uric Acid: Uric acid is a waste product from the breakdown of purines, substances found in food and cells. High levels can lead to gout (a form of arthritis) and kidney stones, and may indicate decreased kidney function or excessive purine intake. Monitoring uric acid helps assess metabolic health and kidney function.

The Kidney Function Blood Test is performed via a simple blood draw. Regular testing is important, especially for individuals at risk for kidney disease, such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems. If your results indicate abnormal levels, your healthcare provider can guide you on appropriate next steps and lifestyle modifications to support your kidney health.

Typically results come back quickly but we advise that they can take up to 5 business days.