What Tests Show Whether Your Kidneys Are Functioning Well

Kidney disease can develop over a long period without producing any visible symptoms. This is precisely why a few basic blood and urine tests can flag potential problems early on, before kidney function becomes seriously impaired.

One commonly used initial indicator is the blood creatinine level, from which the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is calculated — a parameter that shows how effectively the kidneys are filtering the blood. Another marker that is monitored is the presence of albumin in the urine, determined through the albumin-to-creatinine ratio, as the excretion of protein in this way can be an early sign of kidney damage.

Specialists recommend that these results be interpreted together and monitored over time, rather than analysed in isolation. A single creatinine or eGFR value can be influenced by various factors; however, changes that persist over time are of greater significance. Periodic monitoring of these tests is particularly recommended for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or a family history of kidney conditions.