Health guide
Kidney health: signs, tests, and what to do
Your kidneys filter waste, control blood pressure, and keep your body's fluid balance in check - yet most people feel no symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. Diabetes and high blood pressure are responsible for the majority of chronic kidney disease cases in India, making routine screening essential for anyone with either condition. A simple blood and urine test can reveal how well your kidneys are working long before symptoms appear. Catching a problem early gives you the best chance of slowing or stopping its progression.
Reviewed by Dr. Vishal Singh, Lab Director
Signs your kidneys may need checking
- Swelling in the feet, ankles or face, especially in the morning
- Changes in urination - more frequent at night, less output, or dark urine
- Foamy or frothy urine, which can indicate protein leakage
- Persistent fatigue or difficulty concentrating without a clear cause
- Poorly controlled high blood pressure or long-standing diabetes
- Dull ache or discomfort in the lower back or flank area
Which test tells you what
A Kidney Function Test (KFT) measures creatinine, urea, and electrolytes in the blood to give a picture of how efficiently your kidneys are filtering waste - elevated creatinine is often the first concrete sign of reduced kidney function. A Urine Routine examination checks for protein, blood cells, and casts in the urine, which can reveal early kidney inflammation or damage that a blood test alone may miss. Uric acid testing matters because chronically high uric acid can directly injure kidney tissue and is also linked to gout and stone formation. Together, these three tests give a more complete view of kidney health than any single marker alone.
Who should get tested
Anyone living with diabetes or high blood pressure should have kidney function checked at least once a year, since both conditions gradually damage the small blood vessels inside the kidneys. People with a close family member who has had kidney disease carry a higher inherited risk and benefit from early baseline testing. Anyone over 40, especially those who take regular pain medications such as NSAIDs or who have had repeated urinary infections, should also consider routine screening. If your last kidney check was more than a year ago and you fall into any of these groups, scheduling a test now is a practical step.
This guide is for general information and is not a diagnosis. Always discuss your symptoms and results with a doctor. LabONE includes a free doctor consultation with every report.
Tests that help
Recommended panel
KidneyShield
8 parameters in one panel
Frequently asked questions
Can I have kidney disease without any symptoms?
Yes - this is one of the most important things to understand about kidney health. The kidneys can lose a substantial portion of their function before any obvious symptoms appear. By the time swelling, fatigue or changes in urination are noticeable, the damage may already be significant. Regular blood and urine testing is the only reliable way to detect problems early.
Is a KFT sufficient, or do I need additional tests?
A KFT is a strong starting point and will flag most cases of reduced kidney function, but pairing it with a urine routine gives a fuller picture - urine protein can indicate early damage before creatinine rises noticeably. If your reports are abnormal, your doctor may recommend further tests such as a kidney ultrasound.
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