Kidneys are small (about fist-sized) but mighty. They filter waste and extra fluid from your blood, help balance electrolytes, and play a key role in overall health. When kidneys aren’t working well, waste can build up and fluid levels can shift—sometimes long before you feel obvious symptoms.
Kidney Health Month is the perfect time to get familiar with a few common lab markers you’ll often see on kidney-related results: creatinine, eGFR, and urinalysis. The good news? You can take a proactive approach with direct-access testing at Any Lab Test Now®—doctor’s order is included.
1) Creatinine: The “Starting Point” for Kidney Filtration
Creatinine is a waste product your body makes from normal muscle activity. Healthy kidneys remove creatinine from the blood, so when kidney function slows down, creatinine can rise.
- Why it matters:
- Creatinine is one of the most common ways to check how well your kidneys are filtering. It’s also a key value used to calculate eGFR (more on that next).
- Available at Any Lab Test Now® (kidney-focused options):
- Renal Function Panel – a comprehensive way to monitor kidney health (includes kidney-related markers and is designed to evaluate renal function)
2) eGFR: An Estimate of Kidney Filtration
eGFR stands for estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate. In plain terms: it’s an estimate of how well your kidneys are filtering blood. eGFR is typically calculated using your creatinine result along with factors such as age (and other demographic inputs depending on the method).
- Why it matters:
- eGFR can help flag reduced kidney function early—especially when you feel “fine” but your kidneys may be under strain.
- A quick reminder:
- eGFR is an estimate—so results should be viewed in context and followed up with a healthcare provider when values are out of range or trending down.
3) Urinalysis: A Simple Urine Test With a Lot to Say
A urinalysis checks your urine for a variety of clues—such as hydration status and indicators that may suggest kidney stress or urinary tract issues.
- Why it matters for kidney health:
- Urine can reveal early “signals,” including findings that may be associated with kidney concerns—sometimes before changes show up in bloodwork.
- Available at Any Lab Test Now®:
- Urinalysis– checks for albumin/protein as a kidney health indicator
The Easiest Way to Start: Renal Function Panel
If you want a strong starting point for Kidney Health Month, Any Lab Test Now® offers a Renal Function Panel designed to evaluate kidney function and monitor key body systems connected to the kidneys (like minerals, electrolytes, proteins, glucose, and waste products).
This kind of panel is ideal if you are:
- Managing ongoing wellness goals
- Monitoring results over time
- Looking to be proactive (especially if kidney disease runs in your family)
When Should You Consider Kidney-Related Testing?
Consider testing if you:
- Want a baseline as part of a wellness routine
- Have a personal or family history of kidney issues
- Are managing diabetes or other metabolic health concerns
- Simply want more clarity on your numbers (without the hassle of a doctor visit first)
Take Control Of Your Health!
Kidney Health Month is a great reminder that small, proactive steps can make a big difference. With Any Lab Test Now®, you can walk in, get tested, and get clear results—with a doctor’s order included.
Visit our website to explore kidney-related testing options and pricing. Take Control Of Your Health!
