kidney result meanings for patients

Overview

Kidney test results show how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. Two main tests are used: a blood test for creatinine and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which tells you your kidney function as a percentage.

Yes, kidney problems are common, especially as people get older. About 1 in 10 adults have some degree of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

It can affect anyone, but it is more common in older adults, people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• No symptoms in early stages
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (oedema)
• Feeling tired or weak
• Changes in how much you urinate or urine that looks foamy or dark

Symptoms in children

• Poor growth or lack of energy
• Swelling around the eyes or legs
• Foamy urine
• High blood pressure

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or trouble concentrating
• Swelling in the hands and feet
• Passing less urine than usual
• Loss of appetite

Causes

Main causes

• Diabetes (high blood sugar damages kidney filters)
• High blood pressure (damages blood vessels in the kidneys)
• Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney's filtering units)
• Kidney infections that keep coming back

Risk factors

• Family history of kidney disease
• Age over 60
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Long-term use of certain painkillers (like ibuprofen or naproxen)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any of the emergency symptoms above
• If you notice a sudden drop in urine output

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, get tested once a year
• If your test results are slightly abnormal, your doctor will suggest regular follow-up

Diagnosis

Kidney function is checked with a blood test (creatinine and eGFR) and a urine test (to look for protein or blood).

Tests that may be done

• Blood creatinine and eGFR
• Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR)
• Ultrasound scan of the kidneys
• Kidney biopsy (if needed)

What to expect at your appointment

You will have a blood sample taken from your arm and you will be asked to provide a urine sample. The results are usually ready within a few days. Your doctor will explain what the numbers mean and what follow-up you might need.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage and cause of your kidney problem. The main goal is to slow down further damage and manage symptoms.

Self-care at home

• Follow a balanced diet low in salt and moderate in protein
• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol
• Avoid smoking
• Stay well hydrated, unless your doctor advises fluid restriction

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to control blood pressure, lower blood sugar (if you have diabetes), or reduce protein in your urine. If kidney function gets very low, you may need dialysis (a machine that filters your blood) or a kidney transplant.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed to place a dialysis catheter or to perform a kidney transplant.

Living with this condition

Check your blood pressure regularly at home, take your medicines as prescribed, and keep all appointments with your kidney specialist.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat a kidney-friendly diet (low in salt, phosphorus, and potassium if advised)
• Do moderate exercise like walking or swimming most days
• Avoid herbal supplements and over-the-counter painkillers unless your doctor says they are safe

Diet and exercise

A dietitian can help you plan meals that are good for your kidneys. Exercise helps control blood pressure and weight. Gentle activities like walking or yoga are often recommended.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with kidney disease can be stressful and may cause anxiety or sadness. It's normal to feel worried. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling – they can point you to counselling or support groups.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent kidney disease, but you can lower your risk by managing diabetes and high blood pressure, eating healthy, staying active, and avoiding smoking.

Vaccines

People with kidney disease should get the flu vaccine and the pneumonia vaccine as recommended by their doctor.

Screening programmes

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney failure, ask your doctor about having a kidney check-up every year.

Complications

If left untreated

• Kidney failure (needing dialysis or transplant)
• Heart disease
• Anaemia (low red blood cells causing tiredness)
• Bone disease
• High levels of potassium (can affect heart rhythm)

Long-term outlook

Many people with chronic kidney disease live full, active lives by working closely with their healthcare team and making healthy lifestyle changes. Early detection and treatment can slow the progression and help you feel your best.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.