Kidney Profile Test (Expanded) | Kidney Panel Test

Kidney Profile Test — Expanded

Measure blood and urine levels for various markers, including creatinine, eGFR, albumin, and cystatin C. This test panel also includes a urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC), and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). This expanded test helps indicate your kidneys' ability to filter waste and toxins, which healthcare providers use for the early detection and monitoring of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood and Urine

Preparation:

Please be sure to drink plenty of fluids before your urine sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test. Please note that this test includes both a blood and urine collection. It may be best not to exercise for 24 hours before the collection.

Test type: In Person

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$200.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

About the Test

Your kidneys play a vital role in keeping your body healthy and functioning properly. The main function of the kidneys is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood and excrete them in the urine. This process is known as filtration, and it helps to keep the blood free of toxins. The kidneys also manage fluid levels in the body, control electrolyte concentrations in the blood, regulate blood pressure, and stimulate red blood cell production.

This kidney profile test will measure your blood and urine levels for various markers – including creatinine, eGFR, albumin, cystatin C. This test panel also includes a urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC), and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). These measurements indicate your kidneys’ ability to filter waste and toxins. This profile helps identify your risk of developing CKD and in the diagnosis, staging, or monitoring of CKD and provides insights to share with your healthcare provider.

Buy your own kidney panel test online with Quest. No doctor’s visit needed – simply purchase, access kidney health testing at a nearby location, and get fast results.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often called a "silent killer" because symptoms do not appear until the advanced stage of the disease. Early detection of CKD is important because it can allow for early treatment, which may help to prevent further damage to the kidneys. This test can help identify signs of CKD, even before symptoms appear, and is useful for those who:

Want to know their risk for developing CKD
Have been diagnosed with CKD and want to monitor disease progression
Have never had their kidney function tested
Have type-2 diabetes, hypertension, or both
Have a family history of CKD
Smoke, are at an unhealthy weight, or both
Have a history of kidney infections
Have an autoimmune disorder, such as lupus or type-1 diabetes

This kidney profile lab test measures the following components to assess your kidneys’ health and function:

The liver produces creatine, which the muscles use as an energy source. During normal muscle use, some creatine will be broken down into creatinine as a waste product by the muscles. Creatinine is transported through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it is filtered and eliminated from the body through urine.

Albumin is a protein produced by the liver and secreted into the bloodstream. Albumin is the main protein circulating in your blood; provides tissue nourishment, carries hormones, medications, and other substances in the blood; and helps keep fluids within the bloodstream rather than leaking into other tissues. When the kidneys become damaged, albumin passes through and ends up in the urine where it should not be. People with elevated levels of albumin in their urine are more likely to develop CKD and eventually, kidney failure.

This calculation is performed by measuring the ratio of albumin/creatinine in the urine (uACR) and is used to help check whether there is too much albumin in the urine. If your kidneys are healthy, they should allow little, if any, protein into your urine. However, if your kidneys are damaged, protein may leak into your urine.

The creatinine-based eGFR measures how much blood the tiny renal filters (glomeruli) filter every minute based on your body size. An abnormally high creatinine level may suggest damage to the kidneys or renal blood vessels. The eGFR indicates how efficiently the kidneys remove toxins and excess fluid from the blood. This calculation determines your level of kidney function. The higher the number, the better kidney performance you have.

Cystatin C is a protein that is produced by the cells in your body. Like creatinine, it is also removed from the body through the kidneys. If you have kidney disease, the kidneys can have trouble removing cystatin C from your blood, so the level of cystatin C in your blood starts to go up.

This urinary tract infection test identifies abnormalities in the urine’s appearance, content, and concentration. The UTI urinalysis involves a visual, chemical (dipstick test), and microscopic examination of your urine sample to help identify signs of infection.

The comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) helps assess overall health, detect early signs of disease, and monitor chronic conditions. It measures 14 components: blood sugar (glucose), calcium, total protein, liver enzymes, bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, albumin, carbon dioxide, and key electrolytes. Abnormal CMP test results may indicate various health conditions, such as developing or active liver or kidney disease, hypertension, or diabetes.

The CBC measures multiple components of your blood to help identify bleeding disorders or infections and abnormal levels of specific blood components. For instance, a CBC measures the level of red blood cells, which transport oxygen to body cells and tissues. A low level of RBCs can be a sign of anemia. High levels of abnormal white blood cells that crowd out red blood cells and platelets can be a sign of leukemia. This test measures various components and abnormalities of your blood, including: RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width (RDW), WBC count, WBC Differential (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils), platelet count, and mean platelet volume (MPV).

An estimated 37 million people in the United States have CKD, but most are unaware they are affected.¹ In the early stages of kidney disease, you may not experience any symptoms. However, over time, your kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and fluid out of your blood, and you may experience symptoms, such as:

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Heart disease
Diabetes
Loss of appetite
Unintentional weight loss
Swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet (edema)
Shortness of breath
Increased frequency or need to urinate, especially at night
Insomnia
Itchy, dry skin
Muscle cramps
Headache
Erectile dysfunction
Urine that is foamy, frothy, or contains blood
Back or side (flank) pain
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue, weakness
Puffiness around the eyes

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. This test requires specimen collection at a Quest Diagnostics location or through Quest Mobile™, a convenient option for in-home sample collection*. Collection not available in AK, AZ, or HI.

*Check your zip code here for service availability, not available in all locations.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes a few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

Understanding your results: Your Albumin/Creatinine ratio will tell you if you have a normal, moderately increased, or severely increased ratio. Additionally, you will be provided with information about which stage of kidney disease you may be in, whether you are at risk for kidney disease, and how often you should repeat testing based on your unique results. We recommend that you speak with your healthcare provider regarding your next steps as well.

How it works

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Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

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Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

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+ in-home sample collection

No doctor visit required for purchase. If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $79 fee.

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Register your test
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After you make a purchase, register your test and Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

FAQs

How common is kidney disease?

Kidney Disease, also referred to as Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, has been estimated to affect more than 30 million US adults. Most people with kidney disease are not aware they have CKD.

How do I know if I’m at risk for kidney disease?

The most common causes of CKD in adults are diabetes and high blood pressure. Other risk factors include older age, obesity, heart disease, a family history of CKD, inherited kidney disorders, and previous kidney damage.

What is the difference between kidney disease and kidney failure?

Kidney disease is a general term that refers to any condition that affects the function of the kidneys. Kidney failure, on the other hand, is a specific condition in which the kidneys are no longer able to effectively filter waste from the blood. Kidney disease can lead to kidney failure, but not all cases of kidney disease progress to kidney failure. In fact, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, many people with kidney disease can live long, fulfilling lives. However, those who develop kidney failure often require kidney transplantation or dialysis to remove wastes and extra fluid from the blood.

What factors could affect the results of the Kidney Profile?

Creatinine-based eGFR may be affected by unstable creatinine levels caused by diet, increased muscle bulk, or loss of muscle. Additionally, exercise within 24 hours of collection, infection, fever, congestive heart failure, pronounced high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), significant hypertension, an increased amount of white blood cells in urine (pyuria), and blood in urine (hematuria) may cause elevated urinary albumin levels.

Who can benefit from this test?

Kidney disease is often called a "silent killer" because symptoms do not appear until the advanced stage of the disease. Early detection of CKD is important because it can allow for early treatment, which may help to prevent further damage to the kidneys. Our Kidney Profile can help identify signs of CKD, even before symptoms appear, and is useful for those who:

Want to know their risk for developing CKD
Have been diagnosed with CKD and want to monitor disease progression
Have never had their kidney function tested
Have type-2 diabetes, hypertension, or both
Have a family history of CKD
Smoke, are at an unhealthy weight, or both
Have a history of kidney infections
Have an autoimmune disorder, such as lupus or type-1 diabetes

What testing guidelines are recommended if I have CKD?

If you’ve been diagnosed with CKD, there are certain lab tests that may be recommended by a healthcare provider based on the stage of the disease. These testing recommendations can help to ensure that your kidney function is being monitored properly and that any changes are detected early. If you have questions about how to manage your kidney disease, talk to a healthcare provider about what’s right for you.

What does my stage mean?

CKD is commonly categorized into 5 stages. The higher the stage, the poorer the kidney function. Healthcare teams and physicians use the CKD stage to help determine individualized treatment options.

What is the relationship between kidney function and blood pressure?

There is a close relationship between kidney function and blood pressure. Kidney disease can lead to high blood pressure, and high blood pressure can damage the kidneys. The kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure by filtering the blood and removing excess fluid from the body. This helps to keep the blood volume at a healthy level, which in turn helps to keep blood pressure from getting too high. However, when the kidneys are not functioning properly, they can’t remove excess fluid from the body and blood pressure can rise. Additionally, the kidneys help to regulate the body’s salt and water balance. When this balance is disturbed, it can lead to high blood pressure.

Our references

National Kidney Foundation. Understanding your lab values and other CKD health numbers. March 17, 2025. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/understanding-your-lab-values-and-other-ckd-health-numbers
Center for Disease Control. Testing for Chronic Kidney Disease. March 17, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/kidney-disease/testing/index.html
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Identify & Evaluate Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. March 17, 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/professionals/clinical-tools-patient-management/kidney-disease/identify-manage-patients/evaluate-ckd

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Kidney Profile Test — Expanded