If you have ever experienced kidney problems, you more than likely haven’t forgotten the uncomfortable symptoms that can come along with it; pain, discomfort, and sometimes even a high temperature and chills. And while the likes of kidney infections can typically be treated with a course of antibiotics, when kidney problems are left untreated, it can lead to a number of complications down the line; this is why it’s so important to always seek out the right treatment and regularly check in on your kidney function.
Kidney disease is just one of the complications that can occur if an infection goes untreated and according to The National Kidney Foundation, more than 37 million American adults are living with kidney disease and most don’t even realize it [1]. One of the most reliable ways to check in on your kidney function is through a test, and if you prefer - this test can be taken from home.
What is the best way to check your kidney function at home?
As well as common kidney infections, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and kidney inflammation are just some of the factors that can affect your kidney’s health. There are a handful of different kidney function tests that can be used to check in on your kidneys, these include a blood test, imaging test, or urine test. Blood tests typically check urea, eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), and creatinine and can be taken from home with an at-home lab test.
LetsGetChecked’s at-home Kidney Function Test checks urea, eGFR, and creatinine; each of which can give insight into kidney performance and function and is one of the most reliable ways to check kidney function from home.
The kidney function test will arrive in discreet packaging with a return envelope and clear instructions inside. It is a blood test that will involve a simple finger prick sample. Online results will be available within 2-5 days and our dedicated clinical team is available throughout the process to answer any questions you may have and guide you through any other steps you should take. If you would like more detail about the sampling process, find out more here.
Can you test your GFR at home?
The LetsGetChecked kidney function test checks for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) which is a calculation that can determine how well your kidneys are filtering blood. This number is calculated using your creatinine results, your age, and gender.
While what’s considered a ‘normal GFR’ can vary by age, according to the National Kidney Foundation, the typical value is 90 or above while a GFR below 60 may indicate that your kidneys aren’t functioning as they should.
What is the first sign of kidney problems?
Kidney disease occurs when your kidneys become damaged and can no longer perform to the best of their ability. It falls under two categories - acute kidney disease which occurs suddenly and develops rapidly and chronic kidney disease which tends to develop over time. In the early stages, it’s common to experience little to no symptoms. However, if signs do occur, some common indicators of acute kidney disease include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Urinating infrequently
- Fluid retention
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
How do you know if something is wrong with your kidneys?
If you would simply like to check in on your kidney function, one of the most reliable ways to find out more is through a test; this can be done with your local doctor or from home with LetsGetChecked’s at-home lab test.
Constant fatigue, difficulty sleeping and poor appetite, as well as the signs mentioned above, can also be indicators that your kidney isn’t functioning how it should. If you are concerned about your kidney health, it’s important to reach out to your doctor or a medical professional to find out more.
The best way to check your kidney function from home is with a home test kit. The process is simple:
- The test is shipped directly to you by next day delivery
- Activate your test and answer a few health-related questions
- Your health record will be reviewed by a medical team member and should you need any support services, they will be provided
- Collect your sample at a time that suits you
- Send your sample back to our laboratory using the pre-paid shipping label provided
- Your sample will be processed in an anonymous and timely manner
- Your results will be reviewed by our team of doctors. A member of our nursing team will contact you to deliver your results, discuss any next steps and offer prescriptions in some cases
You should consider taking the LetsGetChecked Kidney Function Test if
- You have a high protein diet
- You have used or are using performance-enhancing drugs
- You are taking anti-inflammatory medication
- You suffer from high blood pressure
- You suffer from diabetes
- You have suffered an acute injury
- You have persistent urinary tract infections
- You have kidney disease or a family history of one
- You have kidney stones or a family history of them
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