Description
Kidney disease is typically silent in its early stages. A blood test is the usual way it is first picked up.
What this test measures
Creatinine, urea, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and electrolytes including sodium and potassium.
Who it is for
- High blood pressure or diabetes, the two most common causes of kidney disease
- Long-term anti-inflammatory use
- A family history of kidney disease
- A general baseline
Preparing for your test
Stay normally hydrated. Avoid heavy exercise and large amounts of red meat for 24 hours beforehand — both raise creatinine temporarily and can make kidney function look worse than it is.
Worth knowing
eGFR is an estimate calculated from creatinine, age and sex. It is a good population-level tool but less precise in people with very high or very low muscle mass. A single reading is a snapshot; trends over time matter more.
What happens next
Once the laboratory reports, a GP registered with the Irish Medical Council reviews your result alongside the information you gave us and explains what it means in plain English. GP review is included in the price — we do not release raw numbers without interpretation.
Important limitations
This is a screening test, not a diagnosis. A result in range does not rule out every cause of a symptom, and a result out of range does not by itself confirm a condition. If you feel unwell, see a doctor in person regardless of what this test shows. This service is not for emergencies — call 112 or 999 if you are seriously unwell.
