Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Kidney function blood tests

3-minute read

Key facts

  • Kidney function tests are blood tests that provide information about how well your kidneys are working.
  • Kidney function tests can help your doctor check your kidney function over time.
  • You should discuss the results of your kidney function blood test with your doctor to see what they mean in your situation.

What are kidney function tests?

Kidney function tests are a group of blood tests that provide information on how well your kidneys are working.

Most people have 2 kidneys. They’re part of your urinary system. Kidneys have several important functions:

  • filtering and cleaning your blood to remove waste products into urine (wee)
  • balancing the fluids and salts or minerals in your body
  • making vitamin D
  • making hormones that help to control your blood pressure

Kidney function tests can help your doctor check your kidney function and to monitor it over time.

Kidney function tests are also known as renal function tests and include: urea and electrolytes tests. These are often shortened to: U&E, EUC or UEC.

The tests measure levels of various substances in your blood, including:

  • electrolytes: sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate
  • minerals: phosphorus, calcium
  • protein: albumin
  • waste products: urea, creatinine
  • glucose (sugar)

Your doctor might calculate your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This is a measure of the amount of blood that’s filtered by your kidneys each minute. This is a good indicator of how well your kidneys are working. The calculation uses your age, sex, weight and blood creatinine level.

Your urine may also be tested for protein.

Why would I need kidney function tests?

Your doctor might request these tests if you:

  • have kidney disease, to monitor and manage your treatment
  • have high blood pressure or heart disease
  • are living with diabetes
  • are taking medicine that might affect your kidneys
  • might have abnormal levels of potassium or other minerals in your blood

Kidney function tests are used as a screening test if you’re at risk of kidney disease.

How should I prepare for my kidney function tests?

You may be told to fast (not eat or drink) before your blood test. Check with your doctor if this is needed. You should also check how long you need to fast for.

Understanding your results

If your kidneys are not working properly, waste products can build up in your blood. This is bad for your health and can even become life-threatening.

The right mix of minerals, proteins, and glucose (sugar), in the blood is important for your nerve and muscle function.

Many diseases can harm your kidneys, for example diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure).

It’s important to discuss your kidney function test results with your doctor to see what they mean for you.

Resources and support

Pathology Tests Explained has information about kidney function tests.

About blood testing

Visit healthdirect's ‘Guide to blood testing’ to learn more about blood tests and:

  • what happens during a blood test
  • the accuracy of your results
  • the cost of your blood tests

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: February 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) | Pathology Tests Explained

The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a measure of the function of your kidneys. Glomeruli are tiny filters in your kidney that allow waste products to be

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Kidney disease - Better Health Channel

Exercise, a balanced diet and not smoking will help to keep your kidneys working well.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Kidney function tests | Pathology Tests Explained

A kidney function panel is a group of tests that may be performed together to evaluate kidney (renal) function. The tests measure levels of various substance

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Creatinine clearance | Pathology Tests Explained

This test measures the concentration of creatinine in both a sample of blood and a sample of urine from a 24-hour urine collection. The results are used to c

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Protein urine | Pathology Tests Explained

The protein urine test measures the amount of protein being excreted in the urine. Elevated levels may be seen temporarily with conditions such as infections

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Alzheimer | Pathology Tests Explained

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Beta-2-microglobulin | Pathology Tests Explained

Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) is a protein that is found on the surface of almost all cells in the body and is shed by cells into the blood, particularly by B l

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Leg cramps - MyDr.com.au

Leg cramps are a sudden, painful spasm or contraction of a leg muscle. They often happen at night and wake you from sleep. Leg cramps usually get better when you stretch the affected muscles.

Read more on myDr website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.