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Kidney health could sometimes be ignored until serious problems arise. It’s critical to keep track of your kidney function. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that nearly 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. are at risk for kidney disease, though many are unaware of it.
Kidney disease could develop gradually, often without noticeable symptoms, and by the time signs appear, the disease may already be advanced. Detecting kidney issues early is critical to preventing further damage and managing the condition effectively.
The at-home kidney tests may give you a suitable method to monitor your kidney health. These tests check protein levels and creatinine, which may signal early signs of kidney problems.
Health organizations such as the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases suggest regular kidney monitoring, and they mention that it’s important, especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.
In this article, we’ll look at the best at-home kidney tests that could help you learn about your kidney function, detect potential issues early, and help you address the issues before complications develop.
What is a kidney function test?
A kidney function test assesses how well your kidneys are working. These tests may detect kidney disease by analyzing how effectively your kidneys filter out toxins from your blood. They involve either blood or urine samples, providing information about your kidney and overall health.
Blood tests measure key markers, such as creatinine levels and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A normal GFR indicates healthy kidney function, while lower levels can signify potential kidney issues. Urine tests look for proteins like albumin, which can indicate damage to the kidneys. The albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) test could detect early signs of kidney problems. The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test checks urea nitrogen levels in your blood, and high levels might suggest kidney problems.
6 Best At-Home Kidney Tests
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LetsGetChecked Kidney Test
The LetsGetChecked Kidney Test measures key kidney health markers like urea, creatinine, and eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate). It involves collecting a blood sample through a finger prick at home, with results available in about 2-5 days. The site mentions that their test is recommended for people at an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), such as people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, or those over 60. You can choose to purchase the test once for $99 or Subscribe & save up to 30% for $69.30 every 3 months. LetsGetChecked Kidney Test also comes witha clinical support from healthcare professionals who can assist you with your results and follow-ups.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Convenient at-home collection (finger prick).
- Quick results are available in 2-5 days.
- Clinical support from healthcare professionals included
- Discounted subscription (Save 30% every 3 months)
- FSA/HSA eligible payment options
- Privacy protection and secure results
Cons
- The price is $99 for a one-time test.
- Limited to basic kidney health markers (urea, creatinine, eGFR).
- Additional tests may be needed for a complete kidney assessment.
- A finger prick may be uncomfortable or difficult to perform.
- Not a substitute for professional medical advice
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Vivoo Urine Test
Vivoo’s urine test strips could track protein levels. Elevated protein levels in urine can sometimes be an indicator of kidney-related issues, such as kidney disease.
Vivoo is an at-home urine test that could analyze 9 wellness markers that could help you understand your body better. It might evaluate your hydration, pH balance, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C levels. It could also track sodium, protein, oxidative stress, and ketones, which could be useful, especially if you follow a ketogenic diet.
To use Vivoo, you just need to urinate on the test strip, wait 90 seconds, and then scan it with the Vivoo app. The app may give you personalized advice on nutrition and lifestyle based on your results, helping you make small changes for better wellness.
As per the official site, Vivoo Urine test pricing starts at $49.99 for 4 tests, or you can choose a subscription with plans like the 3-month plan for $23.99 per month (12 tests) or the 6-month plan for $19.99 per month (24 tests).
However, it’s important to note that Vivoo’s tests are not intended for diagnosing medical conditions. If you’re concerned about your kidney health, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Convenient as it could be done from home and saves time.
- Get results in just 90 seconds.
- Get tips based on your results.
- Monitors 9 wellness markers.
- Offers one-time purchases and subscription discounts.
Cons
- Cannot replace professional medical tests.
- Accuracy may vary as results may not be as precise as lab tests.
- Limited to urine testing, which may not give a full picture of health.
- Regular testing might be needed, which could become time-consuming or costly.
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Verisana Kidney Function Test
The Verisana Kidney Function Test checks your kidney health by measuring Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine (CREAT). These are waste products that your kidneys function to filter out. High levels of these may show that your kidneys aren’t working well. This test is important because your kidneys help remove waste and balance fluids in your body. If they aren’t working properly, waste might build up, causing symptoms like tiredness, headaches, or nausea. To take the test, you’ll get a sample collection kit to use at home. You’ll collect a blood sample and send it back to the lab for analysis. Your results can be uploaded to your secure account with an explanation of your markers and any symptoms linked to possible kidney problems. Currently, The Verisana Kidney Function Test costs $119.00 with free shipping. Your privacy is protected, as the sample is collected at home, and the test is HIPAA-compliant to keep your information safe. After you get your results, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor for advice.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- You can collect the sample at home.
- Your information will be kept confidential with HIPAA compliance.
- The test costs could be affordable at $119.00, with free shipping.
- You’ll receive clear lab reports with explanations.
- You can take the test from home.
Cons
- This test won’t diagnose kidney disease.
- The test might not be available in your state if you’re in MD, NJ, NY, or RI due to regulations.
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Labcorp OnDemand Kidney Health Test Package
The Labcorp OnDemand Kidney Health Test Package includes tests that measure creatinine, albumin in urine, the albumin-creatinine ratio, and your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). These tests could detect possible kidney issues, even if you don’t feel any symptoms. You may need this test if you’re at risk of kidney disease, like having high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney problems.
To get started, you will have to purchase the Kidney Health Test online, and a healthcare provider will approve it. Then, you visit a Labcorp location to provide a blood and urine sample. Your results will be available within one day after your sample arrives at the lab.
The Labcorp OnDemand Kidney Health Test Package costs $99, and it could help you catch kidney problems early before they become serious. The test requires both blood and urine samples, and it’s available to people aged 18 and older.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- You can buy the test online and get approval without visiting a doctor.
- You’ll get your results one day after your sample reaches the lab.
- It can show kidney issues even if you don’t have symptoms.
- Anyone 18 and older can use it, and you can pay with HSA/FSA money.
- It costs $99, which is a good price for checking your kidney health.
Cons
- You need to go to a Labcorp location to give a blood and urine sample.
- The person who buys the test must take it.
- This test is for people 18 years and older.
- You will still need a doctor to confirm and treat any kidney problems.
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Healthy.io Minuteful Kidney
The Minuteful Kidney test by Healthy.io is an at-home test that may help you check for kidney and heart problems. To get started, you’ll receive a test kit at home that includes a dipstick and a color board for result processing. After providing a urine sample, you’ll use the accompanying app to capture a photo of the results. The app could then analyze the image and provide feedback, helping you quickly understand your kidney health. The test measures the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), which is important for detecting early signs of kidney disease or heart issues. Your results will be available right away, and the app will explain what they mean and what steps to take next.
Keep in mind that you can’t order the Healthy.io test kit without a doctor’s authorization. This step is necessary before you begin testing. While the test gives you quick results, it may not provide the detailed reports that other testing options might offer. If the results show anything unusual, it’s important to share that information with your doctor right away.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Take the test at home, saving time and effort.
- Get results right away, allowing for quick action.
- The app makes it easy to understand your results.
- Ideal for people who have trouble accessing traditional healthcare.
- Helps detect early signs of kidney and heart issues.
Cons
- You need the doctor’s approval before ordering the test.
- Results may not be as in-depth as other testing methods.
- If results are unusual, a doctor’s follow-up is necessary.
- Coverage varies, and out-of-pocket costs may apply.
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Walk-In Lab Kidney Tests
Walk-In Lab offers a variety of kidney tests that you may find helpful for checking your kidney health. They help determine if your kidneys are properly filtering waste, regulating water and salts in your body, and maintaining overall health.
Walk-in lab Kidney Tests could help measure urea levels, creatinine, and salts to assess kidney performance. Some of the tests available include the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14), Urinalysis (Complete with Microscopic Examination), Uric Acid Blood Test, Renal Function Blood Test Panel, Microalbumin/Creatinine Ratio Urine Test, Urine Culture Test, and the Cystatin C Blood Test. These tests might help detect conditions like kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or kidney disease, allowing you to monitor your health and catch any issues early.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Helps find kidney problems early, allowing for treatment.
- You can order many tests online and get results from home.
- There are different tests for various kidney issues.
- Many tests, like urine tests, are easy and don’t require surgery.
Cons
- You may need more tests or a doctor’s visit if the results are abnormal.
- Some test results might be hard to understand without a doctor’s help.
- Tests may sometimes give wrong results.
- Tests show information, but you’ll need a doctor for treatment.
Types of Kidney Function Tests
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Creatinine Blood Test
The Creatinine Blood Test checks the level of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is known as a waste product from your muscles that healthy kidneys normally filter out. If your creatinine levels are high, it may mean your kidneys are not working properly. This test might be used to see how well your kidneys are doing, especially for people with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
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Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test
The Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. Urea nitrogen is known as a waste product from protein breakdown. Your kidneys should remove it, but if they aren’t working well, BUN levels could rise. This test helps doctors understand how well your kidneys are filtering waste.
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Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) test estimates how well your kidneys are filtering waste. It uses creatinine levels along with your age, gender, and other factors. A lower GFR may be a sign of kidney problems. It is a key test for detecting kidney disease early and monitoring how well kidneys are working over time.
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Urinalysis
A Urinalysis is a test that evaluates your urine to check for signs of kidney problems, like blood or protein in the urine. These might be early signs of kidney damage. The test could also show if you have a urinary tract infection or other issues affecting your kidneys.
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Microalbumin Urine Test
The Microalbumin Urine Test looks for small amounts of albumin (a type of protein) in your urine. Normally, your kidneys should not let albumin into your urine. If you have kidney damage, small amounts of albumin may leak into the urine. This test is important for people with diabetes or high blood pressure, as these conditions might harm your kidneys.
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Urine Culture Test
A Urine Culture Test is used to find bacteria or yeast in your urine. It helps diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney infections. If the test shows infection-causing bacteria, your doctor might prescribe the right treatment, like antibiotics, to protect your kidneys.
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Cystatin C Test
The Cystatin C Test is done to measure the level of cystatin C in your blood. This protein could give a better idea of kidney health than creatinine, especially for people who have normal or low creatinine levels. If cystatin C levels are high, it may show kidney problems before creatinine levels change.
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Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR)
The Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) compares the amounts of albumin (protein) and creatinine in your urine. An elevated ratio could signal kidney damage, especially in people with chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. This test helps doctors detect kidney problems early.
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Renal Ultrasound
A Renal Ultrasound works through sound waves that create pictures of your kidneys. It can help find problems like kidney stones, cysts, or blockages. This test is non-invasive and gives doctors a good view of kidney health and any physical issues that might be affecting function.
Who should take an at-home kidney test?
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, you may want to take an at-home kidney test. People with these conditions are at higher risk of developing kidney problems, so testing regularly could help catch issues early.
Older adults and those with heart disease might also get help from these tests, as kidney function tends to decline with age or because of other health conditions.
If you’re taking certain medications, like those for diabetes or high blood pressure, regular testing may be a good idea since some medications could affect your kidneys.
If you’ve noticed symptoms like swelling, feeling very tired, or changes in how often you urinate, an at-home test might help check for kidney problems.
While these tests may be helpful, remember it’s important to follow up with a doctor for more accurate results and treatment.
How to Choose The Best At-Home Kidney Tests?
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Cost
Cost is considered a significant factor when selecting at-home kidney tests, especially since kidney disease often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe.
For an economical choice, Vivoo test strips could be available for $49.99 for a one-month supply, which includes four tests. While these tests aren’t HSA/FSA eligible, subscribing for three months at $23.99 per month or six months at $19.99 per month could lower your cost-per-test. This can make regular testing more accessible.
If you prefer to visit a lab for blood testing, Walk-In Lab prices could range from $29 to $300, providing a broader range of biomarkers for kidney function. Their Renal Function panel tests 12 biomarkers, significantly more than the four tested by LabCorp OnDemand’s Kidney Health Test, which costs $99. This could make the Walk-In Lab a cost-effective option without compromising on the depth of analysis.
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Convenience
At-home kidney tests should be convenient because they could allow you to monitor your kidney health without extra stress. You could be able to perform these tests in the comfort of your home, so you won’t need to go to a lab or wait for appointments.
Tests like Vivoo could be simple to use and include steps like urinating on the test strip and scanning it with your smartphone to get your results. Many tests also provide quick results, often within minutes or a few days. Moreover, with apps, you can track your results over time to see if there are any changes in your kidney health.
For people who are familiar with technology, using these apps is easy, though some tests, like Minuteful Kidney by Healthy.io, may require approval from your doctor.
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Helpfulness
Tests provided by LetsGetChecked and Walk-In Lab use lab-analyzed blood samples, ensuring high accuracy. This level of precision is essential since metrics like creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are vital for diagnosing and tracking kidney disease.
While Vivoo offers a more affordable option, it relies on test strips that can yield variable results based on lighting conditions. This variability could hinder your understanding of your kidney function. A urinalysis might not be an accurate approach for protein measurement, making it less reliable for assessing kidney health.
LetsGetChecked measures urea, creatinine, and eGFR, which are said to be the key indicators that provide actionable insights into your kidney function. Knowing these levels can help you with managing your health.
If your concern is complete testing without the hassle of at-home kits, Walk-In Lab could be a suitable alternative, providing you with extensive metrics and lab-confirmed results.
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Speed
Many at-home kidney tests may give you quick results, so you don’t have to wait long for answers. For instance, Vivoo might give results in about 90 seconds, which could be suitable for checking hydration and pH levels.
LetsGetChecked could deliver results within 24 hours, focusing on key biomarkers. Walk-In Lab, using Labcorp facilities, might provide results in about 48 hours. Healthy.io Minuteful Kidney offers quick urine sample results in just a few minutes, though it may require a doctor’s authorization.
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Customer Care
When choosing an at-home kidney test, look for companies that provide reliable customer support in case you need help with the test or to understand your results. For example, services like LetsGetChecked offer a wide support system, including clinical assistance. You can connect with medical professionals who might help interpret your results and answer any concerns. Their fast and thorough customer service could enhance your overall experience, making the process easier to navigate. While LetsGetChecked stands out for its clinical support, Vivoo provides helpful health recommendations based on your results. However, it lacks direct access to medical professionals, which could be important for understanding your kidney’s condition and for guidance.
Tips for collecting an at-home blood sample
- Use warm water and wash for at least five minutes to help blood flow better.
- If it dries your fingers, you can skip it to avoid discomfort and improve blood flow.
- Standing can help blood flow more easily because of gravity.
- Avoid pressing too hard to get blood, as this can cause bruising or pain. If it’s hard to get blood, try a different finger.
When to consider testing kidney function at home?
You might consider testing your kidney function at home if you have a family history of kidney problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart problems or if you’ve taken NSAIDs for a long time.
Since kidney disease often doesn’t show symptoms until it’s advanced, early detection could be essential. Regular at-home tests may help you monitor your kidney health between doctor visits and provide useful insights that might prompt timely medical follow-ups.
If you’re already managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, these tests could complement your current health routine. They usually involve simple blood or urine samples and provide key information, such as your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and protein levels, to give you a better understanding of your kidney health.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How Often Should I Test My Kidney Function at Home?
You should test your kidney function at home regularly, especially if you have factors like diabetes or high blood pressure. Try to aim for at least once every six months or as your healthcare provider advises. - Can At-Home Tests Replace Regular Doctor Visits?
At-home tests can’t fully replace regular doctor visits. They’re useful for monitoring, but only a healthcare professional can provide comprehensive evaluations, diagnoses, and necessary treatments. - What Are Common Symptoms of Kidney Disease?
Common indicators of kidney disease include fatigue, swelling, changes in urine output, and dark urine. If you notice these signs, it’s important to consult a health expert for proper evaluation and potential testing. - Are At-Home Kidney Tests Accurate?
At-home kidney tests can be accurate, but their reliability varies. It’s essential to choose tests backed by clinical studies and consult a healthcare professional for interpretation, especially if results raise concerns about your kidney health. - How Do I Store My At-Home Test Kit?
To store your at-home test kit, keep it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Ensure it remains sealed until you’re ready to use it, following the manufacturer’s specific storage instructions.
Conclusion
The best at-home kidney test could be the one that meets your needs and fits into your routine. These tests could help check your kidney health from home and may catch problems early. Along with testing, simple lifestyle habits can help keep your kidneys healthy. Try to stay hydrated by drinking 7-9 glasses of water, eat a balanced diet with less salt and processed food, and include kidney-friendly options like berries, leafy greens, and fish.
Try to exercise regularly and keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control. Limiting NSAID use could also support your kidney health. These steps, along with regular monitoring, could help take care of your kidneys and health.
- This review’s general information is not intended to be taken as medical advice and should not be used as a replacement for speaking with a doctor.
- Never rely on anything you read or accessed through this review without consulting a doctor, and never put off getting medical help.
- Individual results may differ because they are subjective.
- Before using any product, please speak with your doctor if you have any underlying health issues or are using any prescription medications.
Rachel has been a freelance medical writer for more than 18 years. She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2005 and is currently practicing as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at a Level I trauma center.
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