Kidney Test

GetTested's Kidney Test is an easy-to-use home kit that provides immediate results without the need for lab analysis. It measures creatinine, protein, and urine density through a urine sample, with results displayed by visually comparing the test strip to a colour chart included in the packaging.

About the Kidneys

The kidneys filter waste products and excess water from your blood, producing urine as a result. The small units inside your kidneys, called nephrons, are the actual filtering units. Each kidney has about a million nephrons. Most kidney diseases attack the nephrons and alter their ability to filter blood and produce urine.

Common Symptoms of Impaired Kidney Function

In the early stages of kidney disease, you usually don't feel sick at all. If it worsens, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Feeling tired
• Drowsiness or trouble concentrating
• Loss of appetite / experiencing nausea and vomiting
• Swelling or stiffness in the hands or feet
• Frequent or less frequent urination
• Muscle cramps (painful and involuntary muscle contractions)
• Darkening of the skin

Storage

Store at room temperature 15-30°C. Do not store test strips in the refrigerator or freezer. Do not expose the test strips to moisture, heat, or light before use. Use the test strip immediately after opening the foil pouch.

How to Perform the Kidney Test

Begin by collecting a urine sample in a clean glass or cup. Take one test strip from the packaging and hold the white end without coloured squares. Dip the coloured section of the strip into the urine for no more than one second. After removing the strip, gently tap it against the edge of the glass to remove any excess urine. Hold the strip horizontally for 30-60 seconds to allow the reaction to take place. Compare the colour changes on the strip with the colour chart provided in the packaging to read your result.

Test Limitations

Certain substances, such as specific medications, can cause abnormal urine colour and may interfere with the colour development on the test strip. This can either mask the reaction area or result in a false positive by producing a colour reaction that can be misinterpreted. Therefore, if there is any uncertainty, it is advisable to repeat the test after completing the medication, but only after consulting your doctor.

Protein: The test has a minimum sensitivity of 10-20 mg/dL of protein in urine. False negative results may occur in highly buffered alkaline urine (pH 9). Interpreting results may also be challenging in cloudy urine samples.

Specific Gravity: Elevated specific gravity readings can be observed when moderate amounts (100-700 mg/dL) of protein are present. Additionally, specific gravity tends to increase with the amount of glucose in the urine.

Creatinine: Low creatinine concentration may indicate urine dilution.