What is an Advanced Kidney Profile?

The Advanced Kidney Profile is a comprehensive blood test designed to assess kidney filtration efficiency, electrolyte balance, and early signs of kidney dysfunction. It expands on standard kidney testing by adding more sensitive markers that improve early detection.

The profile includes a Kidney Health Panel, typically measuring creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urea, and key electrolytes. These markers evaluate how effectively the kidneys filter waste and maintain fluid and mineral balance.

In addition, the test measures Cystatin C, a highly sensitive kidney marker capable of detecting early impairment even when traditional markers appear normal. Uric acid is also measured, as elevated levels may indicate reduced kidney clearance and are associated with gout and metabolic disorders.

This panel is particularly useful for early kidney disease screening and ongoing monitoring of kidney health.

Why do I need a test for Advanced Kidney Profile?

Kidney disease often develops silently, with symptoms appearing only when damage is already advanced. Many people are unaware they have reduced kidney function until routine blood testing reveals abnormalities.

This advanced profile helps:

• Detect early kidney impairment
• Monitor kidney function in people with chronic disease
• Assess risk in people with diabetes or hypertension
• Evaluate unexplained fatigue or swelling
• Monitor kidney impact of medications
• Investigate metabolic and gout-related issues

Symptoms or situations leading to testing may include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Swelling in legs or ankles
• Changes in urination patterns
• Foamy urine
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Recurrent gout attacks
• Unexplained nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Fluid retention

Early identification allows lifestyle or medical intervention before irreversible damage occurs.

Benefits of the test

1. Detects early kidney dysfunction

Cystatin C improves early detection when creatinine appears normal.

2. More accurate kidney filtration assessment

Combining markers provides better estimation of kidney performance.

3. Monitors chronic kidney disease

Useful for people with known kidney conditions.

4. Evaluates metabolic risk

Uric acid links kidney health with metabolic and gout risk.

5. Supports medication monitoring

Some medications affect kidney function and require monitoring.

6. Helps prevent complications

Early intervention can slow disease progression.

7. Supports diabetes and hypertension management

Kidneys are often affected by these conditions.

8. Useful for routine health screening

Provides reassurance or early warning in asymptomatic individuals.

Expanded benefit explanation
Kidney impairment often progresses quietly. Advanced testing using Cystatin C improves early identification, allowing lifestyle and medical adjustments that may slow or prevent long-term kidney damage.

Step-by-step — How testing works

We offer two UK-wide testing options:

Clinic testing
• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• A clinician collects your blood sample
• Sample analysed in laboratory
• Results returned securely

Home or hotel visit (+£60)
• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home, office, or hotel
• Blood sample collected safely on-site
• No need to travel
• Sample transported to laboratory
• Results delivered confidentially

Both options are available UK-wide.

Your results explained

Low levels

Low creatinine or uric acid may occasionally reflect low muscle mass or dietary factors.

Typical UK ranges:
• Creatinine:

• Men: ~64–104 µmol/L

• Women: ~49–90 µmol/L
  • eGFR: ≥90 mL/min/1.73m² considered normal
  • Cystatin C: ~0.6–1.0 mg/L
  • Uric acid:

• Men: 200–430 µmol/L

• Women: 140–360 µmol/L

Low values are rarely clinically concerning but must be interpreted in context.

Normal levels

Kidney filtration and electrolyte balance appear normal.

Interpretation:
Kidneys are functioning efficiently with no evidence of impairment.

High levels

Elevated markers may indicate kidney stress or reduced filtration.

Possible findings:
• High creatinine or Cystatin C suggesting reduced kidney function
• Low eGFR indicating filtration decline
• High uric acid linked to gout or metabolic stress

Interpretation:
Further medical evaluation may be recommended to identify causes and prevent progression.