
About this test
A blood test measuring urea and creatinine and reporting an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Together these provide a snapshot of kidney filtration and may help monitor a known risk or investigate a concern with your clinician.
At a glance
- Sample: Blood
- Collection: Follow the supplied instructions for providing your blood sample
- Estimated turnaround: 1-3 days from laboratory receipt of a usable sample
What this test measures
- Urea
- A waste product influenced by kidney function, hydration and protein intake. A raised or reduced result is non-specific and can change with hydration, kidney function, protein intake, liver function and gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Creatinine
- A muscle waste product used to assess kidney filtration. A raised result may reflect reduced kidney filtration but is also influenced by muscle mass, hydration, medicines and recent meat intake.
- Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
- A calculated estimate of kidney filtration based on creatinine and personal information. Higher creatinine and a lower eGFR can suggest reduced kidney filtration, but muscle mass, age, hydration, medicines and acute illness affect interpretation.
How clinicians use this test
Clinicians use Urea, Creatinine and Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to investigate relevant symptoms, monitor a known condition or add context to a broader health assessment. The result can support a diagnosis or next-step decision, but it is not a diagnosis on its own.
Is this the right test for you?
This may suit someone who specifically wants to check Urea, Creatinine and Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), or repeat the marker(s) as part of an established monitoring plan. Check that the listed panel matches the question you want answered before ordering. The test should not delay assessment of persistent or worsening symptoms.
Preparation and collection
Follow the supplied kit instructions. No product-specific preparation requirements are stated publicly. Do not stop prescribed medicines unless a clinician tells you to.
Understanding your result
The most useful information is usually the pattern across Urea, Creatinine and Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), not one isolated flag. Related markers can support or contradict each other, and a mildly out-of-range value may reflect normal biological variation, collection conditions or temporary illness rather than disease.
Your results and next steps
Review Urea, Creatinine and Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) against the reference range and laboratory comment, then consider whether the pattern fits your symptoms, medicines and reason for testing. Share a concerning or unexpected result with a clinician before changing treatment, supplements or diet.
Limitations
The result is a snapshot from one sample. It cannot diagnose a condition on its own; values inside or outside a reference range require clinical context.
When to get medical help
Do not wait for a home-test result if you feel seriously unwell. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency, or use NHS 111 when you need urgent advice and are unsure what to do.
Who this test is for
- People who want a clearer view of the concern described above
- Anyone comfortable using the stated sample-collection method
- People who want doctor-reviewed results and practical next-step guidance
How it works
How to prepare
- Read the instructions before collecting your sample
- Check whether timing, fasting or medication guidance applies
- Collect and post on the same day wherever possible
Understanding your results
Clear ranges and doctor guidance
Your secure report shows the measured values, reference ranges and a doctor’s comment where appropriate.