What damages the kidneys?

There are many causes of kidney disease. The most common causes in the general population are high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Other issues include some long term medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen, and some auto-immune conditions.

How can I improve my kidney function?

It’s really difficult to reverse kidney damage once it has occurred. However, ways to protect yourself from developing kidney damage is to keep well hydrated, regular exercise (to help avoid high blood pressure), stopping smoking, and keeping cholesterol at a healthy level.

What is the first sign of kidney problems?

Kidney disease is often a ‘silent’ problem. Many people don’t know they have a kidney problem until it becomes very severe. This is why it’s worthwhile checking how they’re working, such as with a blood test to check kidney function.

What are kidney stones and how do I prevent them?

Kidney stones are relatively common with an estimated 1 in 10 people experiencing this very painful problem in their lifetime. Kidney stones can develop in 1 or both kidneys and most often affect people aged 30 to 60 years old. Sometimes they can also lead to bladder or kidney infections. Big stones can cause symptoms, including: Pain – mostly in the side or your lower back Pain that comes in waves, building to a crescendo then reducing for a period Feeling nauseated or vomiting

How soon will the test arrive?

If you order your test before midday on a Monday to Friday then your kit will be dispatched the same day. All our kits are sent out via Royal Mail first class post, so it should be with you within 1-2 working days.

How secure is my data?

We have strict processes in place to ensure the protection of your data. Following GDPR the company also operates under tight legal rules about the sharing of data which ensures that data is only shared if it is crucial to the delivery of our service. For example, our doctors see customer results at the time of review, however, after review, access to results is withdrawn.

Can I have someone take my blood for me?

Yes. We offer two options if you do not want to do our finger prick test. The first is a home appointment where a nurse comes to your home to take a blood sample. The second is to visit a Phlebotomy clinic near you that offers a blood sample service. A blood sample will be taken from your vein and we will provide you with everything you need to give to the nurse to allow them to take the sample. The nurse will give you the blood sample to return to us using the pre-paid envelope provided.

Does a doctor review my results?

We have a team of doctors and nurses who look at all results and will comment on any results that are outside of the normal range for your age.

Can I download the results to share with my GP?

Yes, you can download your results from your health dashboard as a PDF to share with your GP.

Get a £5 voucher for you or to pass on when you order this test today.

Kidney Function Test

Name: Kidney Function Test
Brand: Forth
Price: 49 GBP
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.2 (1168 reviews)

Our Kidney Function home blood test checks key biomarkers that assess the health of your kidneys. It can also help assess your risk of developing kidney disease. The easy to view results will tell you how well your kidneys are functioning, and our doctors will provide advice on any results outside of the normal range.

£49

+ £5 Voucher when you order today

When do I take the test?

If you have consumed a large amount of alcohol, we recommend leaving a gap of 72-96 hours before taking this test.

Certified for quality & security

Did you know?

More than 10% of the UK population are living with kidney disease

Kidney Research UK: Report into the economic impact of kidney disease

What does a kidney blood test show?

Our kidney blood test will show you a detailed breakdown of your results for each of the biomarkers tested. It will tell you if your results are within the normal range for your age for each biomarker tested. You’ll also receive comments from our team of doctors on any out of range results. It’ll help you understand how well your kidneys are functioning and if you’re at risk of developing kidney disease.

How to test your kidney function at home

Our kidney function blood test is a finger prick test, making it easy to collect your blood sample from home. It comes with everything you need to do the test, including free return postage to our labs for analysis. We’ve put together a full how-to video to help you collect your blood sample.

Frequently asked questions

This is what our customers ask us most about this test. For more information, try our help centre.

What damages the kidneys?

There are many causes of kidney disease. The most common causes in the general population are high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Other issues include some long term medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen, and some auto-immune conditions.
How can I improve my kidney function?

It’s really difficult to reverse kidney damage once it has occurred. However, ways to protect yourself from developing kidney damage is to keep well hydrated, regular exercise (to help avoid high blood pressure), stopping smoking, and keeping cholesterol at a healthy level.
What is the first sign of kidney problems?

Kidney disease is often a ‘silent’ problem. Many people don’t know they have a kidney problem until it becomes very severe. This is why it’s worthwhile checking how they’re working, such as with a blood test to check kidney function.
What are kidney stones and how do I prevent them?
Kidney stones are relatively common with an estimated 1 in 10 people experiencing this very painful problem in their lifetime. Kidney stones can develop in 1 or both kidneys and most often affect people aged 30 to 60 years old. Sometimes they can also lead to bladder or kidney infections.

Big stones can cause symptoms, including:
- Pain – mostly in the side or your lower back
- Pain that comes in waves, building to a crescendo then reducing for a period
- Feeling nauseated or vomiting
How soon will the test arrive?

If you order your test before midday on a Monday to Friday then your kit will be dispatched the same day. All our kits are sent out via Royal Mail first class post, so it should be with you within 1-2 working days.
How secure is my data?

We have strict processes in place to ensure the protection of your data. Following GDPR the company also operates under tight legal rules about the sharing of data which ensures that data is only shared if it is crucial to the delivery of our service. For example, our doctors see customer results at the time of review, however, after review, access to results is withdrawn.

Learn more about your data security.

Can I have someone take my blood for me?

Yes. We offer two options if you do not want to do our finger prick test. The first is a home appointment where a nurse comes to your home to take a blood sample. The second is to visit a Phlebotomy clinic near you that offers a blood sample service.

A blood sample will be taken from your vein and we will provide you with everything you need to give to the nurse to allow them to take the sample.

The nurse will give you the blood sample to return to us using the pre-paid envelope provided.
Does a doctor review my results?

We have a team of doctors and nurses who look at all results and will comment on any results that are outside of the normal range for your age.
Can I download the results to share with my GP?

Yes, you can download your results from your health dashboard as a PDF to share with your GP.

Learn how to export your results.

We are dedicated to supporting you on improving your health

Recommended by doctors

Dr Thom Phillips

Clinical Lead

BSc. (Hons) MSc. MB BCh. MRCGP. Dip SEM. PGCert (Diabetes)

Renee McGregor

Nutrition Lead

BSc (hons) PGDIP (DIET) PGCERT(sportsnutr) RD BASES

Dr Michael Cornes

Scientific Officer

Consultant clinical scientist, FRCPath, BSc Biochemistry, MSc Clinical Biochemistry, PhD Biochemistry

"A renal function test assesses how well your kidneys are working. It typically involves measuring creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels in your blood. These values help determine if your kidneys are effectively filtering waste and regulating the balance of fluids and electrolytes in your body. Abnormal results may indicate kidney problems."

Dr Thom Phillips

We’re changing people’s lives

Very easy to use with clear instructions , all round efficient process, detailed results and fast turnaround. Would definitely recommend.

Lisa

20 April 2023

I find Forth professional and forward-thinking with a bigger range of tests than more traditional healthcare providers in the UK. I think it is closer to what you can get from US providers.

Richard C

I wanted to get more information about my own health instead of using the NHS who just test for a specific reason. I also wanted better historical data to view changes over time as the NHS systems aren’t very good for that.

James W

Finding out what is going on inside your body is key, especially now that the NHS is in crisis. If we can take control of our wellness (and flag up potential problems early) that has got to be a good thing.

Vannesa C

I am very satisfied with your excellent service and I have recommended you to all my friends who are also very interested in your products.

Doris R

How it works

Getting the insights you need to improve your health has never been easier.

1. Choose your blood test

No need to wait for a GP appointment, choose from our wide range of tests which come with everything you need to take your sample and return to our lab.

2. Collect your sample

Take your finger prick blood sample at home, or choose to have your blood taken at a Superdrug health clinic or a nurse at home. Return to our NHS lab using our prepaid envelope.