Your kidneys can be checked with two simple tests. Together, they tell you how well your kidneys are working and whether they are healthy. Knowing your numbers is the first step to protecting them.
Test 1: eGFR (a blood test)
eGFR stands for “estimated glomerular filtration rate.” It measures how fast your kidneys clean your blood. A higher number is better. A normal eGFR is about 90 or above. If your eGFR stays under 60 for three months or more, it can be a sign of kidney disease.
Test 2: Urine albumin (a urine test)
This test, called UACR, looks for a protein called albumin leaking into your urine. Healthy kidneys keep albumin in the blood. A number under 30 is normal. Higher numbers mean protein is leaking, which is an early warning sign — often before your eGFR drops.
Why both matter
A lower eGFR and a higher urine albumin both raise the risk of kidney and heart problems. That is why doctors check both, not just one.
How often?
Most people at risk should have both tests at least once a year. If your numbers are higher risk, your doctor may check them more often.
Get checked. Ask your doctor for an eGFR blood test and a urine albumin test — especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
The takeaway: Two easy tests — eGFR and urine albumin — tell you how your kidneys are doing. Know your numbers.
This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own health.
Sources: Chen et al., JAMA, 2019; Levey et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2022; KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline, Kidney International, 2024; American Diabetes Association, Standards of Care in Diabetes, Diabetes Care, 2026.
