Healthy kidneys remove excess fluid and wastes in your blood. Urine and blood tests can demonstrate how quickly body wastes are being removed and how well your kidneys are doing their job. Kidney function blood tests can also detect whether your kidneys are showing any signs of damage.
At Anna Pharmacy, we offer blood tests for kidney function in Carshalton, Croydon, Wallington, and Sutton. You’ll get your test results within 1-3 days and you can discuss your results with one of our knowledgeable and friendly pharmacists if you have any questions.
To learn more about what kidney function blood tests are and what they do to tell you about your overall health, keep reading.
What do your kidneys do?
The kidneys are part of the urinary system, the two kidneys sit in the back of the abdomen just below the ribcage. Kidneys help your body filter and flush out waste in your body, expelling them as urine. Your kidneys are also essential for producing:
- Hormones that maintain blood pressure.
- Red blood cells that move oxygen throughout your body.
- Vitamin D which maintains muscle and bone health.
Why might I need a kidney function test?
Certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, affect how the kidneys work. If you suffering from any of these conditions, your GP may prescribe kidney function blood tests to help monitor your kidney function.
Or if you have symptoms of kidney problems, you may need a kidney function test. These symptoms might include:
- Blood in your urine (haematuria).
- Painful urination (dysuria).
- Frequent urge to urinate.
- Problems with starting to pee.
Visit us today for a kidney function blood test in Croydon, Wallington, Sutton, or Carshalton.
What are the types of kidney function tests?
Kidney function tests are urine or blood tests that check how well your kidneys are working. Kidney tests usually measure the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) which assesses how well your kidneys remove waste from your system.
Your healthcare provider may order one or a few different types of kidney function tests, such as:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test.
This test measures nitrogen levels that are made from protein breakdown in your blood.
Estimated GFR (eGFR) test.
This test calculates filtration rates by taking into consideration your race, size, gender, age, and protein levels.
Serum creatinine test.
This test checks for the build-up of creatinine which is a waste material from the breakdown of muscle tissue.
Your GP may also recommend doing 24-hour urine tests, including:
Microalbuminuria test.
This test checks for a specific protein called albumin.
Urinalysis test.
This test checks for blood and proteins in your urine.
Anna Pharmacy provides kidney function tests in Sutton, Croydon, Wallington, and Carshalton. Book your appointment online today and take your first step towards good health.