Monitoring kidney function

You might not feel any different day to day, so regular tests help spot changes early, before symptoms appear.

These checks are simple but important. They help your healthcare team understand how your condition is progressing and decide on the right treatment for you.

How is kidney function monitored?

There are two main tests:

1. Blood test (eGFR): This test checks how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. A normal eGFR is 90 or higher. In people with CKD, this number is lower. Your doctor will monitor whether this number is stable or changing.
2. Urine test (ACR): This checks for a protein called albumin in your urine. A small amount of protein may be normal, but a higher level can suggest kidney damage.

Together, these tests give a full picture of your kidney health.

Other useful checks

You might also have:

• Blood pressure checks
• Blood tests for anaemia
• Cholesterol tests
• Bone health checks
• Weight and fluid checks (especially in later stages)

These are all linked to how your kidneys are working and how your body is coping.

How often are these tests done?

This depends on your stage of CKD and your overall health:

• If your condition is stable, tests may happen once or twice a year
• If there are concerns or changes, they may be more frequent

Your doctor or nurse will explain what’s right for you.

Questions you can ask your clinician

It’s OK to ask questions, it helps you understand and be more involved in your care. You could ask:

• What is my latest eGFR, and what does it mean?
• Is my kidney function stable or changing?
• Do I have protein in my urine?
• What can I do to protect my kidneys?
• Are my medicines still right for me?
• When is my next check-up due?

If something doesn’t make sense, ask your healthcare team to explain it in a different way. It’s important you feel confident in understanding your condition.