Kidney function(no electrolytes)-3 health indicators tested

The Kidney Function test is a private blood test measuring creatinine, urea and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to assess how well your kidneys are working, processed by London Medical Laboratory (LML), a UKAS-accredited ISO 15189 laboratory, and sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).

Key facts

Who it is for

• People with diabetes or high blood pressure who want to monitor their kidney function
• People with a family history of kidney disease wanting a baseline check
• People taking long-term medication that can affect the kidneys, monitoring as advised
• People starting a high-protein diet or training programme who want a kidney baseline

Not suitable for: people who feel acutely unwell or have reduced urine output (seek urgent medical care); use as a substitute for clinical assessment by a doctor.

What is measured

• Creatinine — a waste product from muscle that the kidneys filter out; raised levels can indicate the kidneys are not filtering effectively
• Urea — a nitrogen waste product from protein breakdown; high levels can suggest reduced kidney function or dehydration
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) — a calculation that estimates how much blood your kidneys filter per minute, used to grade kidney function

How it works

1. Order online and choose your option: an in-store appointment or an at-home self-collection kit.
2. In store: attend Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET, where a trained phlebotomist takes a venous blood sample. At home: a finger-prick self-collection kit is posted to you; collect your sample and return it in the prepaid packaging.
3. Your sample is sent to London Medical Laboratory (LML) for analysis.
4. You receive a written report with results and reference ranges, typically within 3–5 working days of the lab receiving your sample, with out-of-range values flagged.

Frequently asked questions

How long do results take?

Results are typically available within 3–5 working days from when the laboratory receives your sample. You receive a written report showing creatinine, urea and eGFR against reference ranges.

Where is the blood test done?

You can have the sample taken at our Holborn pharmacy (77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET) by appointment, or order an at-home self-collection kit that is posted to you and returned to the lab in prepaid packaging.

Is the laboratory accredited?

Yes. Your sample is processed by London Medical Laboratory (LML), a UKAS-accredited laboratory working to the ISO 15189 standard for medical laboratories.

Does this panel include electrolytes?

No. This is a kidney function panel covering creatinine, urea and eGFR only; it does not include electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. If you need electrolytes, ask about a broader profile.

What happens if a result is abnormal?

Your results are reported with reference ranges and reviewed before release. If a value is outside the normal range, the pharmacist will explain it and recommend the next step, which may be a repeat test or referral to your GP. This test is not a diagnosis.

When to seek further advice

• Reduced urine output, swelling, or feeling acutely unwell needs urgent medical attention — contact your GP, NHS 111 or A&E.
• Discuss your results with a clinician; abnormal results should be followed up with your GP.

This is a private health-screening service. Results are reported with reference ranges and are not a diagnosis. Discuss your results with a clinician; abnormal results should be followed up with your GP.