Your kidneys are silent workers: they filter approximately 180 litres of blood daily. A kidney function blood test shows how well they perform, often before you notice symptoms.
What is measured?
Creatinine: muscle waste product filtered by kidneys. eGFR: calculated from creatinine, age and sex - the primary measure of kidney function. Stages range from 1 (normal, above 90) to 5 (kidney failure, below 15).
When to test
Especially important with diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of kidney disease, age over 60, or long-term NSAID use.
How to keep kidneys healthy
Drink sufficient water, limit salt, control blood pressure and blood sugar, avoid prolonged NSAID use and do not smoke.
Frequently asked questions
Can kidney damage be reversed?
Depends on cause and stage. Early intervention can prevent or slow further damage. Severe damage is often not reversible but can be stabilised.
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