Kidney Blood Test2026-02-18T12:04:26+00:00

Kidney Blood Test

Kidney Blood Test

Your kidneys are essential for filtering waste, balancing fluids, and regulating vital minerals in the body. The Kidney Blood Test measures key markers to assess how well your kidneys are working and can help detect problems before symptoms appear.

  Clinician advice included

No GP referral needed

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Our pricing

A simple blood test to assess your kidney function and overall health.

Kidney Blood Test

£75

Why take this test?
  • Have a personal or family history of kidney disease
  • Experience swelling, fatigue, or changes in urination
  • Have high blood pressure or diabetes
  • Take medications that may affect kidney function
  • Want a routine check-up of your kidney health

What’s included?

The Kidney Blood Test includes the following biomarkers:

Here’s what’s measured:

  • Sodium & Potassium – Essential electrolytes controlled by your kidneys
  • Urea – A waste product that builds up if kidneys aren’t filtering properly
  • Creatinine – Indicates how well your kidneys are removing waste
  • eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) – A key measure of kidney performance and filtering ability

What to expect?

  • Simple blood draw in minutes
  • Delivered within a few working days

  • Optional GP or specialist consultation if needed

  • Easy-to-read report with explanations

Early Detection Matters

Chronic kidney disease often develops silently. Many people with early-stage CKD feel completely well and only discover the problem when kidney function has already declined significantly.

Early detection allows you to:

  • Make lifestyle changes that can slow or stop further kidney damage
  • Work with your GP to manage conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure more effectively
  • Avoid medications or habits that put additional strain on the kidneys
  • Monitor kidney function over time to detect any progression

Once kidney function is lost, it cannot be recovered. This is why regular testing is essential for anyone with risk factors.

Tested by qualified professionals
at a CQC-regulated clinic

Tested by qualified professionals
at a CQC-regulated clinic

Your blood test is carried out by our qualified phlebotomist using CE-marked, MHRA-approved equipment. All procedures follow clinical protocols aligned with evidence-based best practice, with quality checks in place to ensure accuracy.

Vitalscan is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) under UK GDPR. Your data is stored securely and handled in strict confidence.

We are a private diagnostic clinic, not a walk-in testing service. Every test is reviewed by a qualified professional before results are released to you.

Understanding Your Results

Your kidney function test measures five key markers. Here’s what each one tells you about your kidney health:

Creatinine

Your kidneys’ waste-clearing ability

When your muscles work, they produce a waste product called creatinine. Healthy kidneys constantly filter this out of your blood. If creatinine starts building up, it’s one of the earliest and most reliable signs that your kidneys aren’t filtering as efficiently as they should.

eGFR

The percentage view of kidney function

This is the single most important number in your results. eGFR takes your creatinine level and combines it with your age, sex, and body size to estimate how much blood your kidneys can filter per minute. Think of it as a percentage: an eGFR of 90+ means your kidneys are working at full capacity. Below 60 for three months or more signals chronic kidney disease and means your kidneys are working at less than 60% of normal function.

Urea

A secondary waste marker

Your body produces urea when it breaks down protein from food. Like creatinine, urea should be filtered out by the kidneys. Rising urea levels suggest your kidneys are struggling to keep up, though dehydration or eating a lot of protein can also temporarily raise urea without indicating kidney damage.

Sodium and potassium

Electrolyte balance

Your kidneys don’t just remove waste. They also regulate the levels of essential minerals in your blood. Sodium controls blood pressure and fluid balance. Potassium keeps your heart rhythm steady. When kidney function drops, these can drift out of range. High potassium is particularly serious because it can affect your heart.

Together, these five markers give a clear picture of whether your kidneys are filtering properly, maintaining balance, and working at the level your body needs.

What is eGFR and why does it matter?

eGFR stands for estimated glomerular filtration rate. It measures how much blood your kidneys can filter per minute, reported in millilitres per minute per 1.73m² of body surface area.

Healthy kidneys should filter at least 90ml/min. Your eGFR gives a percentage-style view of kidney function – an eGFR of 60ml/min means your kidneys are working at roughly 60% of normal capacity.

eGFR is used to classify chronic kidney disease (CKD) into five stages:

  • Stage 1 (eGFR 90+): Normal kidney function, but other tests show signs of kidney damage
  • Stage 2 (eGFR 60-89): Mildly reduced function with evidence of kidney damage
  • Stage 3a (eGFR 45-59): Mild to moderate reduction in kidney function
  • Stage 3b (eGFR 30-44): Moderate to severe reduction in kidney function
  • Stage 4 (eGFR 15-29): Severe reduction in kidney function
  • Stage 5 (eGFR below 15): Kidney failure – dialysis or transplant may be needed

Most people with early-stage CKD (stages 1-3a) have no symptoms. This is why regular testing is essential for anyone with risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure.

An eGFR below 60 for three months or more indicates chronic kidney disease and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Private Blood Test in Milton Keynes

What can affect your kidneys?

Kidney function can decline for many reasons. Some of the most common include:

  • Diabetes: High blood sugar levels over time can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste. Diabetic kidney disease is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease in the UK.

  • High blood pressure (hypertension): Uncontrolled high blood pressure puts strain on the blood vessels in the kidneys, causing them to weaken or narrow. Over time, this reduces kidney function. High blood pressure is both a cause and a consequence of kidney disease.

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD): CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose function over months or years. It is often caused by diabetes or high blood pressure, but can also result from autoimmune conditions, repeated kidney infections, or genetic factors.

  • Recurrent kidney infections or kidney stones: Repeated infections or blockages caused by kidney stones can damage kidney tissue over time.

  • Certain medications: Long-term use of some medications can affect kidney function. These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like ibuprofen), certain antibiotics, and some blood pressure medications. If you take these regularly, kidney monitoring is recommended.

  • Acute kidney injury (AKI): AKI is a sudden loss of kidney function, often caused by severe dehydration, infection, blockage, or a reaction to medication. Unlike CKD, AKI can sometimes be reversible with treatment, but it requires urgent medical attention.
  • Polycystic kidney disease and other genetic conditions: Some people are born with kidney conditions that cause cysts to form on the kidneys or affect their structure. These conditions often run in families.

Why would I need a kidney blood test?

Your kidneys filter waste, regulate fluid balance, and control essential minerals that keep your body functioning properly. A kidney blood test checks how well they’re working and can detect problems before symptoms appear. You might need a kidney blood test to:

  • Detect early signs of chronic kidney disease, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.
  • Monitor kidney function if you take medications that can affect the kidneys, such as long-term use of NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, or blood pressure medications.
  • Check for kidney damage if you’re experiencing symptoms like swelling, fatigue, changes in urination, or persistent lower back pain.
  • Establish a baseline of your kidney health before starting treatments or medications that may affect kidney function.
  • Take control of your health with clear, science-backed insights into how well your kidneys are filtering waste and maintaining balance in your body.

How the process works

Step 1

Book your kidney blood test

Choose the kidney function test and book online or by phone. Same-day appointments are often available. No GP referral needed. Select a time that fits your schedule, including early morning and evening slots.

Step 2

Attend your appointment

Your appointment takes 10-15 minutes from arrival to completion. Blood samples are taken by our qualified phlebotomist in a private consultation room. We use sterile, single-use equipment following strict infection control protocols.

Step 3

Laboratory analysis

Samples are sent to our accredited laboratory partner the same day and analysed following strict quality standards. Most results are available within 3-5 working days, depending on the specific tests requested.

Step 4

Receive your results and share

Clear results are provided promptly via secure email or post. Each marker is explained so you understand what your results mean. Results can be easily shared with your GP or specialist to support informed medical decisions.

Paying for your blood test

All blood test services offered by Vitalscan are self-pay only. We do not accept private medical insurance for these tests, and they cannot be claimed through your insurer. Payment must be made in full at the time of booking.

Why test privately?

NHS kidney testing is available for people with diagnosed conditions or clear symptoms, but access can take time and is often limited to patients already flagged as high-risk.

A private kidney function blood test gives you immediate access without a referral, which is particularly useful if you:

  • Have risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure and want proactive monitoring
  • Are experiencing symptoms but have not yet been prioritised for NHS testing
  • Want baseline kidney function results before starting a medication known to affect the kidneys
  • Prefer faster access to results and the ability to share them with a private specialist

Private testing does not replace NHS care, but it allows you to take control of your health without waiting.

Where would my blood test take place?

Your blood test will be carried out at Vitalscan, our modern health clinic located at 100 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes (MK9 1FH).

Our friendly, trained professionals will ensure the process is quick, comfortable, and stress-free. You’ll be welcomed into a clean, private clinical setting with minimal waiting time and expert care from start to finish.

Our patient pathway

Complete Booking

Schedule your test online.

Confirmation

Receive booking info instantly.

Quality Check

Ensure test accuracy & safety.

Test Day

Attend your appointment.

Receive Results

Get your test results quickly.

Sharing Report

Share findings with your doctor.

Ready to book your blood test?

Ready to
book your test?

Booking your blood test is quick and easy – no referral needed and appointments available as soon as the same day. Get fast, accurate results for peace of mind.

Kidney Blood Test FAQs

What blood test checks kidney function?2026-02-18T11:59:50+00:00

A kidney function blood test typically measures creatinine, eGFR, urea, sodium, and potassium. These markers together give a clear picture of how well your kidneys are filtering waste and maintaining balance in your body.

What is a normal eGFR level?2026-02-18T12:00:17+00:00

A normal eGFR is 90 or above. Values between 60 and 89 may be normal depending on age and other factors, but an eGFR below 60 for three months or more can indicate chronic kidney disease. Your healthcare provider will interpret your eGFR in the context of your overall health.

Can I test my kidney function at home?2026-02-18T12:00:42+00:00

Some at-home finger-prick blood tests are available, but kidney function testing is most accurate when performed by a qualified professional using a venous blood sample. Our clinic offers fast access to professional testing with results reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Do I need to fast before a kidney function test?2026-02-18T12:01:04+00:00

No. You do not need to fast before a kidney function blood test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment.

What are the symptoms of kidney problems?2026-02-18T12:01:30+00:00

Early kidney disease often has no symptoms. As kidney function declines, symptoms may include swelling (particularly around the eyes, hands, or ankles), fatigue, changes in urination (frequency, colour, or amount), persistent lower back pain, high blood pressure, or nausea. Many people only discover kidney problems through routine blood testing.

How often should I test my kidney function?2026-02-18T12:01:53+00:00

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, annual testing is recommended. If you have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, your healthcare provider will recommend more frequent monitoring.

What does high creatinine mean?2026-02-18T12:02:16+00:00

High creatinine levels in the blood suggest that your kidneys are not filtering waste effectively. Creatinine is a waste product from muscle activity, and healthy kidneys remove it from the blood. Elevated creatinine is one of the key indicators of reduced kidney function.

Can kidney function improve?2026-02-18T12:02:43+00:00

In cases of acute kidney injury, kidney function can sometimes recover with treatment. Chronic kidney disease, however, is usually progressive and cannot be reversed. Early intervention can slow or stop further decline, which is why regular monitoring is important.

Can dehydration affect kidney test results?2026-02-18T12:03:38+00:00

Yes. Dehydration can temporarily elevate creatinine and urea levels. If you are dehydrated when your blood is taken, your results may not reflect your true kidney function. Make sure you are well-hydrated before your test.

Should I stop taking medication before the test?2026-02-18T12:03:59+00:00

Do not stop any prescribed medication before your test unless specifically instructed by your doctor. Some medications can affect kidney function, but stopping them without medical advice can be harmful. Bring a list of all medications you take to discuss with your healthcare provider when reviewing your results.

Book a Kidney Blood Test

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01908 755556

100 Avebury Boulevard,
Milton Keynes, MK9 1FH

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Legal

Vitalscan is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and operates in accordance with all applicable healthcare standards. Our location ID is 1-14644634325. Our diagnostic imaging services are designed to support clinical decision-making but do not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own healthcare professional.

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