Kidney function

Assess how well your kidneys are filtering waste and balancing electrolytes. Ideal for monitoring long-term health, medication effects, or symptoms like swelling or fatigue. Helps protect vital organ function.
- Description
- Why This Test?
- Associated Conditions
- Uses of This Test
The Kidney Function Blood Test provides a focused assessment of how effectively your kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood and maintaining internal balance. The kidneys play a vital role in removing toxins, regulating fluids, and supporting electrolyte and metabolic stability.
Changes in kidney function can develop gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Blood testing is one of the most reliable ways to detect early impairment, monitor existing kidney concerns, and support timely intervention where required.
Healthy kidneys are essential for maintaining fluid balance, filtering waste, and supporting overall metabolic function. When kidney performance declines, waste products can build up in the bloodstream, potentially leading to wider health complications.
Kidney function testing is important for:
- Early detection of kidney disease, including chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury
- Monitoring known kidney conditions to track progression or stability
- Assessing the impact of medications, as some drugs can affect kidney function
- Supporting routine health assessments, particularly where kidney health may influence treatment decisions
- Pre-operative screening, to ensure kidneys are functioning adequately before surgery
Regular monitoring allows potential problems to be identified early, when intervention can be most effective.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
A gradual decline in kidney function that may progress silently without early testing.
Medication-Related Kidney Stress
Some medications can affect kidney filtration, making monitoring important during treatment.
Dehydration
Reduced fluid levels can temporarily affect kidney markers and filtration efficiency.
- Routine health screening
- Monitor kidney health over time
- Screen for early kidney impairment
- Investigate abnormal kidney-related symptoms
- Assess medication impact on kidneys
What We Test
Biomarkers analysed by accredited UK laboratories
Biomarkers Tested
Kidney Function Markers
These markers assess how effectively the kidneys are filtering waste products and maintaining internal balance.
- Creatinine
Used to assess kidney filtration efficiency, as creatinine levels rise when kidney function declines.
- Urea
Helps evaluate how well the kidneys are clearing waste products from protein metabolism.
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
Provides an overall estimate of kidney function and is used to identify and stage kidney impairment.
- Creatinine
In-Clinic Blood Testing At Longridge, Preston
If you’d rather leave everything to a qualified professional, our in-clinic blood testing service is the most comfortable and hands-off experience. Once you complete your order, we’ll contact you to arrange a convenient appointment time.
Your sample will be taken by a trained phlebotomist, making the process quick, smooth, and reassuring - especially if you’re nervous around blood or struggle with finger-prick tests.
We send off all samples the same day to the lab to be processed so results can be expected within 72 hours.
Why Use This Service:
Hands-off, professional experience
High-quality samples for complex tests
No risk of “not enough sample”
Support at every step
No posting or packaging required
Convinient appointment times
Taking Charge Of Your Own Health Has Never Been Easier
Worried about your wellbeing?
If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, or other issues, a comprehensive blood test may be the key to discovering potential underlying health problems.

Need to monitor a health condition?
Blood tests offer essential insights into various aspects of your health, from detecting deficiencies to evaluating immune functions.

Enhancing Performance and Fitness?
Whether you’re training for a sport or keeping track of your fitness progress, a blood test serves as an excellent foundation for your performance improvement journey.

All Our Tests Include:
No GP Referral
Order directly - no waiting for appointments
Fast Results
Detailed analysis within 72 hours
Doctor's Commentary
Expert interpretation of your results included
Secure & Confidential
Discreet service and consultations
Frequently Asked Questions
- Qualified Pharmacists
- Flexible Appointments
- Top Customer Service
How accurate are home finger-prick tests compared to clinic tests?
Our home finger-prick tests use the same accredited laboratories as our clinic tests. While clinic tests allow for more comprehensive panels, home tests are highly accurate for the parameters they measure.
Do I need a GP referral for a blood test?
No, you don’t need a GP referral. You can book directly with us for any blood test. We are a private clinic offering direct access to comprehensive blood testing.
How old do I have to be to have a blood test?
We will only draw blood from those aged 16 and above due to legal requirements.
How long does it take for the blood test results to come?
If you have used our clinic to complete a blood test, we send off all samples the same day to the lab to be processed. If you have used a home test kit, then once your sample has been sent off the lab will analyse your sample. Results are usually received within 72 hours.
How do I perform the home finger-prick test?
Your home blood test kit will contain easy-to-follow instructions on how to take your own finger blood sample. If you have any concerns or questions prior to using the kit, please contact our phlebotomists who will be happy to assist.
How do I prepare for a blood test?
There is no preparation required prior to taking any of the blood tests. Please simply remember to stay hydrated prior to your appointment. This is to help your veins dilate better to enable a quick and efficient blood sample to be taken and reduce the risks of feeling faint following your blood test.
Please inform the phlebotomist before your test if you are currently taking any blood thinning medication.
Should I fast before my blood test?
Fasting is not required for most blood tests. However, if your profile includes cholesterol tests and you’ve previously had high levels, consider fasting for 8 hours beforehand. While not essential, fasting can provide more accurate results.
Note: Fasting means abstaining from any food and drink, except for water.