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Reading your kidney test results
✓ Fact-checked against sourced references · Editorial standards
Kidney function is checked with inexpensive blood and urine tests. The two that matter most are creatinine (converted into eGFR) and the urine albumin test for protein.
The tests in plain terms
- Creatinine — a waste product cleared by the kidneys
- eGFR — how well the kidneys filter, calculated from creatinine
- Urea — a second waste marker
- Urine albumin — the earliest sign of damage
One number is not a diagnosis
Dehydration, diet and some medicines can nudge results. The trend over time is what matters.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal creatinine level?
Roughly 0.6–1.2 mg/dL for most adults, but it varies with muscle, age and sex.
Sources
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Educational only. This guide is general kidney-care information, not individual medical advice.