An annual kidney function check (blood and urine test) is recommended for people who have the following risk factors:
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Urine Sample
This test is called a urinary ACR (uACR) and checks for the amount of protein that is present in your urine. When you have too much protein in your urine, it can be a sign that your kidneys aren’t working as well as they should be. The sample of urine will be sent away to be tested. A uACR test is different to the test you have if you have signs of a urine infection, but uses the same type of urine pottle.
Blood Sample
This test will check how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. When the kidneys are not filtering as well as they should, waste products can build up in the blood. This blood test is requested by your GP using a laboratory form. A tube of blood is taken from your arm. The blood sample is then sent away to be tested.
Blood Pressure
A blood pressure cuff is wrapped around your upper arm. The cuff is then pumped up with air, which can feel quite tight. As the cuff is deflated, it measures the pressure of your blood against the walls of your blood vessels.
Kidney disease is never diagnosed on one test alone. It is usually a pattern of decline over a period of time. High blood pressure and diabetes can cause this to happen more quickly if not well managed. Therefore we do three tests:
One finger prick is used to take the two small samples of blood that measures blood sugar and kidney function. If any of these results are abnormal, we will give you a letter to take to your healthcare provider to be rechecked.
For example, if your:
