Kidney
Blood Test
Private kidney blood test at home with nurse visit. Measures eGFR, creatinine and urea to detect chronic kidney disease early. GP-shareable results.
fast (water is allowed) 12 hours prior to the test
Book online
Choose date & time that suits you
Nurse visits you
At home or your preferred location
Lab analysis
UK accredited laboratory
Results delivered
Secure digital report in 1–2 days
Why take this test?
Your kidneys don’t usually show symptoms — until there’s a problem.
They quietly filter waste, balance fluids, and keep your body functioning properly. But if something isn’t right, it can go unnoticed in the early stages.
This test gives you a clear view of your kidney function, helping you detect potential issues early and stay in control of your health.
- Check how well your kidneys are filtering waste
- Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance
- Identify early signs of kidney strain or reduced function
Professional blood draw included — accurate, reliable results from accredited UK laboratories.
This test is recommended if you:
What does it test?
Kidney function – urea, creatinine and eGFR
Electrolyte balance – sodium and potassium
Hydration status – overall fluid and electrolyte level
How to Prepare
Kidney function testing does not require fasting, so you can prepare for your kidney blood test at home with minimal disruption to your normal routine.
No fasting needed – you can eat and drink normally before your test. Kidney function markers like eGFR, creatinine and urea are not significantly affected by food intake on the day of testing. Take your usual medicines – unless your doctor or nurse tells you to do something different, continue taking your regular medications including any blood pressure tablets, diabetes treatments or supplements. Stay well hydrated – drinking water before your appointment can make the blood draw easier and more comfortable. Dehydration can sometimes cause a temporary rise in creatinine, so normal hydration gives the most accurate picture of your kidney function. Avoid strenuous exercise beforehand – intense physical activity in the 24 hours before your test can temporarily raise creatinine levels, so it’s best to avoid heavy workouts immediately before your appointment. Limit high-protein meals – while you don’t need to fast, extremely high-protein meals (such as large steak dinners) shortly before testing can temporarily elevate urea levels. Normal eating is fine, but avoid unusually protein-heavy meals in the hours before your appointment. Bring any previous results – if you have had kidney function tests before, it can help to compare changes over time and show your GP how your levels are trending. Wear comfortable clothing – choose something with sleeves that can be easily rolled up for the blood sample to be taken from your arm. Avoid heavy alcohol intake – try not to drink heavily in the 24 hours before your test, as alcohol can temporarily affect blood test results and hydration status.
If you are unsure about medication, have any health conditions that might affect testing, or have any questions, your nurse can answer these during your appointment.
How it Works
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
You’re then given instructions on calling the team to book a date and time for a nurse, so they can take your blood sample at your home, workplace or clinic.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
Clinical Evidence
eGFR as the kidney function standard: National guidance recommends eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) as the primary marker for assessing kidney function and detecting chronic kidney disease (CKD), with eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73m² sustained over three months used to diagnose CKD stages 3–5.Source: NICE chronic kidney disease guidance, Kidney Research UK CKD information
Creatinine and urea for waste clearance: Serum creatinine and urea are key markers used alongside eGFR to assess how effectively your kidneys are removing waste products from your blood, with elevated levels suggesting reduced kidney function or other underlying issues.Source: NHS kidney disease overview, NICE testing recommendations
Early detection reduces complications: Research shows that detecting CKD early, particularly in people with high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney problems, allows lifestyle changes and medical interventions that can slow disease progression and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.Source: Kidney Research UK, NHS kidney disease prevention
Venous sampling as the laboratory standard: Venous blood collection from the arm is the reference method used by hospital and accredited private laboratories for kidney function testing, providing sufficient sample volume and consistent quality for accurate eGFR, creatinine and urea analysis.Source: Professional laboratory guidance
Laboratory quality and accreditation: ISO 15189 is the international standard for medical laboratories and covers everything from sample handling to result reporting, so using UKAS ISO 15189‑accredited labs helps ensure your kidney function results are reliable and reproducible.Source: UKAS medical laboratory accreditation, RCPath ISO 15189 overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need To Fast Before A Kidney Blood Test?
No. Kidney function testing does not require fasting, so you can eat and drink normally before your appointment. This is one of the advantages of kidney function tests – you don't need to plan around meal times or go hungry before your blood draw.
What eGFR Level Is Considered Low?
In the UK, an eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73m² sustained over three months is used to diagnose chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3–5. An eGFR of 60–89 with other signs of kidney damage indicates stage 2 CKD, while levels below 15 indicate kidney failure. Only your GP or kidney specialist can diagnose CKD based on your results and clinical history.
Can I Take This Test If I Already Have Kidney Disease?
Yes. If you're already managing chronic kidney disease, regular kidney function testing helps you and your healthcare team monitor how well your treatment is working and whether your condition is stable, improving or progressing. Most people with CKD check their kidney function every 3–12 months depending on the stage of their condition, though your GP or kidney specialist will advise on the right frequency for you.
How Long Will My Appointment Take?
The nurse visit typically takes 10–15 minutes. The blood sample itself only takes a few minutes to collect, with a little extra time for paperwork and answering any questions you may have.
When Will I Get My Results?
Results are typically available within 1–2 days of your blood sample reaching the laboratory, making our kidney blood test at home service both convenient and quick. You'll receive your results by email as a PDF report that you can save, print, or share with your GP.
What Should I Do If My Kidney Function Results Are Abnormal?
If your eGFR, creatinine or urea levels are outside the normal range, book an appointment with your GP to discuss your results. Your GP may want to repeat the test (as CKD diagnosis requires sustained low eGFR over three months), order additional tests such as urine analysis, or refer you to a kidney specialist. They can also advise on lifestyle changes, blood pressure management, or treatment options. Early detection gives you the best opportunity to protect your kidney function and prevent complications.
Can I Use These Results With My NHS GP?
Yes. Your results are provided as a professional laboratory report in a format suitable for sharing with NHS or private GPs, kidney specialists, or other healthcare providers. The report includes all necessary technical information and reference ranges used in UK clinical practice.
Is Venous Blood Testing More Accurate Than Finger-Prick Tests?
Yes. Venous blood samples taken from your arm by a nurse are the gold standard for laboratory testing. They provide more blood volume for analysis, reduce the risk of sample contamination or haemolysis (red blood cell breakdown), and deliver more consistent and reliable results compared to finger-prick capillary samples.
What If I Have High Blood Pressure Or Diabetes?
High blood pressure and diabetes are two of the most common causes of chronic kidney disease, so regular kidney function testing is particularly important if you have either condition. Your kidney test results can help your GP assess whether these conditions are affecting your kidneys and whether any adjustments to your treatment plan are needed. Consider also checking your cholesterol levels and liver function, as these often go hand-in-hand with kidney health monitoring.
Can Dehydration Affect My Kidney Test Results?
Yes. Dehydration can cause a temporary rise in creatinine and urea levels, which may make your kidney function appear worse than it actually is. This is why we recommend drinking water normally before your appointment – it helps ensure your results reflect your true kidney function rather than temporary dehydration.
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