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Kidney Function Tests: eGFR, Creatinine & Urine Albumin Panels

Measure how well your kidneys filter, from a quick baseline panel to a deep blood-and-urine workup.

Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission when you purchase lab tests through links on this site, at no extra cost to you. Learn more

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Individual kidney tests from $16.76 and multi-test panels from $49.56 after the 20% discount (promotional pricing at time of writing).

At a glance

Kidney function testing measures how well your kidneys filter waste and balance fluids using markers like eGFR, creatinine, BUN, and the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR). These panels are for adults who want an objective baseline on kidney health, especially those managing high blood pressure, diabetes, or frequent NSAID use. Every result is physician-reviewed and delivered securely online so you can review it with your doctor.

Best suited for

  • Adults with high blood pressure or diabetes, the two most common sources of kidney strain
  • Anyone with a family history of kidney disease or existing heart disease
  • People who regularly use NSAIDs or other medications that can stress the kidneys
  • Those noticing unexplained swelling, fatigue, or changes in urination they want to discuss with a doctor
  • Health-conscious adults who want a filtration and electrolyte baseline to track over time

What's included

Renal Function Panel

Measures BUN, creatinine, electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, and glucose in one blood draw

Albumin Random Urine Test with Creatinine (uACR)

Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, a marker associated with early kidney strain

Urinalysis Complete Test

Physical, chemical, and microscopic evaluation of a urine sample

Protein, Total, Random Urine Test

Screens a single urine sample for protein (proteinuria)

Creatinine Clearance Test

Blood sample plus 24-hour urine collection to estimate glomerular filtration rate

KH-1 Kidney Function Panel

3 tests, 42 biomarkers; blood and urine

KH-2 Kidney Function Panel

5 tests, 50 biomarkers; blood and urine

Kidney #1 Baseline Blood and Urine Test Panel

3 tests, 82 biomarkers

Kidney #2 Essential Blood and Urine Test Panel

5 tests, 84 biomarkers

Kidney #3 Extreme Blood and Urine Test Panel

10 tests, 99 biomarkers

Deep-dive the key markers: eGFR, Fasting Glucose, HbA1c, hs-CRP, LDL-C, HDL-C, Triglycerides, ALT

Key biomarker ranges

Commonly used adult reference ranges for markers this panel measures, labs vary, so always interpret results against your lab's stated ranges and with your doctor.

eGFR (mL/min/1.73m²)

For eGFR, lower is worse: 90+ is consistent with full kidney function, while sustained values below 60 are the commonly used threshold of concern.

eGFR reference ranges (mL/min/1.73m²)
ZoneRange
Kidney failure range0–15 mL/min/1.73m²
Reduced15–60 mL/min/1.73m²
Mildly reduced60–90 mL/min/1.73m²
Optimal90–120 mL/min/1.73m²
Fasting Glucose (mg/dL)

Commonly used reference ranges place fasting glucose at 70–99 mg/dL; results vary with sleep, stress, and recent illness, and labs differ slightly.

Fasting Glucose reference ranges (mg/dL)
ZoneRange
Low50–70 mg/dL
Optimal70–100 mg/dL
Prediabetic range100–126 mg/dL
Diabetic range126–160 mg/dL
Hemoglobin A1c (%)

Commonly used reference ranges place HbA1c below 5.7%; conditions affecting red blood cells can skew results, so labs and clinicians interpret in context.

Hemoglobin A1c reference ranges (%)
ZoneRange
Optimal4–5.7 %
Prediabetic range5.7–6.5 %
Diabetic range6.5–10 %

The importance of testing

Your kidneys regulate fluids, filter waste, balance electrolytes, and support blood pressure and bone health. High blood pressure, diabetes, dehydration, and certain medications can quietly stress the kidneys long before symptoms appear, which is why lab testing is one of the few ways to get an early, objective read on how they are performing.

The core filtration markers tell most of the story. eGFR and creatinine estimate how effectively your glomeruli are filtering, BUN adds context on waste clearance, and the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR, or microalbumin) flags small amounts of protein in urine, a marker associated with early kidney strain. Some panels add cystatin C, a sensitive filtration marker that is less affected by muscle mass.

Electrolytes and minerals round out the picture. Sodium, potassium, chloride, and CO2 reflect acid-base and fluid balance, which influence heart and nerve function, while calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and uric acid speak to bone-mineral balance and metabolic risk. Larger panels also fold in glucose, hemoglobin A1c, a lipid panel, and hs-CRP, markers associated with the cardiovascular and metabolic conditions most closely linked to kidney stress.

Because kidney markers shift gradually, trends matter more than any single result. Retesting over time shows how medications, hydration, diet, and blood pressure control are affecting your numbers, and gives you and your clinician concrete data to act on sooner.

Part of our complete guide to Organ Health Lab Tests — browse every panel and biomarker guide in this hub.

Promo code

KH20

Save 20% with code KH20, current promotion; confirm final pricing on the partner page.

Ready to get your numbers? Order online, visit a nearby draw site, and receive private results to review with your doctor.

Order Now

Frequently asked questions

What do kidney function tests actually measure?

Kidney function tests measure filtration markers (eGFR, creatinine, BUN), urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2), and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Depending on the panel, they may also include cystatin C, uric acid, a comprehensive metabolic panel, glucose and hemoglobin A1c, lipids, or hs-CRP, markers associated with the metabolic and cardiovascular conditions linked to kidney strain.

Can I order kidney tests without a doctor's visit?

Yes, a doctor's authorization is included with every purchase, so no separate appointment or referral is needed. You order online, visit one of about 2,100 Quest locations nationwide, and receive physician-reviewed results in your secure online account. No insurance is required, and HSA/FSA funds are accepted for eligible services.

Which kidney panel should I choose?

The Renal Function Panel is the most affordable starting point, covering BUN, creatinine, electrolytes, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, and glucose in a single blood test. If you want urine markers too, the baseline blood-and-urine panels add urinalysis and urine albumin, while the larger KH-2, Essential, and Extreme panels layer in additional filtration, mineral, and metabolic markers. Your choice depends on whether you want a quick check or a comprehensive baseline to track over time, when in doubt, review the options with your doctor.

How quickly will I get my results?

Most results are available within 24 to 48 hours, though some tests take longer to process. Every result is physician-reviewed before release and delivered to your secure online account, formatted so you can bring it to your next appointment.

Is this testing available in every state?

No, direct-to-consumer lab testing is restricted or prohibited in New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, so residents of those states may be blocked at the partner's checkout. If you live elsewhere in the US, you can typically order online and test at any participating Quest location.

Will these tests confirm kidney disease?

No, these panels measure and track kidney-related markers; they are not intended to confirm any condition on their own. Out-of-range results such as a reduced eGFR or elevated urine albumin are flags to review with your doctor, who can interpret them in the context of your history, medications, and repeat testing.

References

  1. [1] Physiology, Glomerular Filtration Rate — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH)
  2. [2] Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) — National Kidney Foundation
  3. [3] What Is Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults? — NIDDK (NIH)
  4. [4] Is It Time for a Requiem for Creatine Supplementation-Induced Kidney Failure? A Narrative Review — Nutrients
  5. [5] Estimated GFR (eGFR) Test: Kidney Function Levels, Stages, and What to Do Next — National Kidney Foundation
  6. [6] Hidden Risks behind Normal Fasting Glucose: Is It Significant? — Diabetes & Metabolism Journal (Korean Diabetes Association, via PMC)
  7. [7] Good to Know: Factors Affecting Blood Glucose — Clinical Diabetes, American Diabetes Association (via PMC)
  8. [8] Insulin Resistance & Prediabetes — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
  9. [9] Interpreting A1C: Principles of the A1C Assay — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
  10. [10] Interpreting A1C: Diabetes and Hemoglobin Variants — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
  11. [11] The A1C Test & Diabetes — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
  12. [12] C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test — MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine, NIH)
  13. [13] Assessing Cardiovascular Risk with C-Reactive Protein — Johns Hopkins Medicine
  14. [14] C-Reactive Protein: Clinical Relevance and Interpretation — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH/NLM)
  15. [15] LDL: The 'Bad' Cholesterol — MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine, NIH)
  16. [16] Low-density lipoproteins cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A consensus statement from the European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Panel — European Heart Journal
  17. [17] Familial Hypercholesterolemia — GeneReviews, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH)
  18. [18] Hypercholesterolemia — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH)
  19. [19] Low HDL Cholesterol — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH)
  20. [20] HPS2-THRIVE, AIM-HIGH and dal-OUTCOMES: HDL-cholesterol under attack — Global Cardiology Science & Practice
  21. [21] Metabolic syndrome — MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine, NIH)
  22. [22] Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know — MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine, NIH)
  23. [23] Triglycerides — MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine, NIH)
  24. [24] Hypertriglyceridemia — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH/NLM)
  25. [25] High Blood Triglycerides — National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH)
  26. [26] Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) Test — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH)
  27. [27] Definition & Facts of NAFLD & NASH — NIDDK (NIH)
  28. [29] Liver Function Tests — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf (NIH)

Reviewed by

Jason August

Jason August

Founder & Editorial Lead

Jason August is the founder of Metabolic Markers and its parent company, Advancing Development. He has spent his career building and scaling real-world ventures, including as a founding team member at Build-A-Bear Workshop during its growth from startup to global public company, and since then across capital, real estate, adaptive reuse, and hospitality. He founded Metabolic Markers to make blood-biomarker testing easier to understand and access, and oversees the site’s content and editorial accuracy. Jason is not a medical professional; all content on this site is educational, reviewed for accuracy, and never a substitute for advice from a licensed physician.

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