In short
- Kidney tests measure waste products such as creatinine and estimate how well your kidneys filter, known as eGFR.
- Liver tests measure enzymes such as ALT and AST, proteins such as albumin, and bilirubin.
- Early kidney and liver disease usually has no symptoms, so a blood test is often how it is found.
- An abnormal result needs a doctor to find the cause, because these tests alone rarely give a diagnosis.
Kidney and liver tests you can book
- Lab tests52% off
Liver Profile
The Liver Profile is a focused biochemical assessment designed to evaluate liver function, bile flow, protein synthesis and potential inflammation or damage within the liver. This panel measures key enzymes, proteins and bilirubin fractions that help identify
AED 124.95
View detailsUsual price AED 261.45 - Lab tests56% off
Electrolyte Panel
The Electrolyte Panel is a focused biochemical test that evaluates the body’s essential electrolytes responsible for hydration balance, nerve conduction, muscle function and acid–base stability. This panel offers quick insight into dehydration, fluid imbalance
AED 114.45
View detailsUsual price AED 261.45 - Lab tests55% off
Kidney Profile
The Kidney Profile is a comprehensive blood and urine-based assessment that evaluates overall kidney function, filtration efficiency, electrolyte balance, and early signs of kidney damage or metabolic imbalance. A DHA-licensed nurse collects your sample at you
AED 93.45
View detailsUsual price AED 208.95 - Lab tests34% off
Urine Analysis
Urine Analysis (Urinalysis) is a fundamental diagnostic test that evaluates the physical, chemical and microscopic properties of urine to assess kidney function, hydration status, metabolic health and early signs of infection or disease. A DHA-licensed nurse c
AED 82.95
View detailsUsual price AED 124.95
Who might need these tests
The NHS says chronic kidney disease usually has no symptoms early on, and is often found when a blood or urine test is done for another reason. It is commonly caused by high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol, and by long-term use of some medicines, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers. People at higher risk may be advised to have regular tests.
For the liver, MedlinePlus lists a family history of liver disease, heavy alcohol use, obesity, diabetes, hepatitis and some medicines as reasons to test even without symptoms. The NHS names obesity, undiagnosed hepatitis and alcohol misuse as the three main causes of liver disease.
What each test measures
| Test | What it measures |
|---|---|
| Creatinine and urea | Waste products your kidneys filter out. They build up if the kidneys are not working well. |
| eGFR | An estimate of how well your kidneys filter, worked out from creatinine with your age, sex and body size. |
| Urine albumin | A protein that should barely pass into urine. More of it can be an early sign of kidney damage. |
| Electrolytes | Sodium, potassium and chloride, which help control the fluid balance in your body. |
| ALT, AST, ALP and GGT | Enzymes made mainly in the liver. |
| Bilirubin, albumin and total protein | A waste product the liver clears, and proteins the liver makes. |
A urine analysis can also screen for signs of kidney disease, diabetes and urine infection. The Kidney Profile and Liver Profile listings name the tests they include, so check before you book.
Preparing for the test
The Kidney Profile, Urine Analysis and Electrolyte Panel listings say fasting is not needed. The Liver Profile listing recommends fasting for 8 hours for steadier readings. Tell the doctor about any medicines you take, and do not stop one without asking.
You can have the sample taken at home if collection is available at your address. The app shows this when you enter it. See what to expect from a home lab test or lab tests at home.
What the results mean
MedlinePlus explains that liver function tests alone usually cannot diagnose a specific disease, so an abnormal result leads to more tests to find the cause. For the kidneys, eGFR is not a perfect test: it can be abnormal without kidney damage, and can miss some damage. The NHS says blood and urine results together are used to tell the stage of kidney disease.
A doctor should read these results with your history, medicines and other tests. An internal medicine doctor is often a good choice when several results need joining up.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor soon if your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, if you have dark pee, pale poo or itching, if your ankles or legs swell, or if a result comes back outside the range.
Call 998 or go to an emergency department if you are vomiting blood and feel unwell, confused, faint or dizzy, have rapid or shallow breathing, cold, clammy, pale skin, tummy pain or black poo.
Doctors you can book for kidney and liver tests
Dr Anju Begum, General Practitioner, uniCare Medical CenterGeneral Practitioner · 10 years · Hindi, Urdu, English
Dr. Leena KapoorGeneral Practitioner · 28 years · AED 25 · Hindi, Urdu, English
Dr. Tarun ShuklaGeneral Practitioner · 35 years
Dr. Dany RajakumarGeneral Practitioner · 5 years
Dr. Shilpa Surian, General Practitioner, WeCARE Medical Center LLCGeneral Practitioner · 3 years · AED 45 · English, Malayalam
Dr. Ekramulla Mohamed Ali, General Practitioner, Wecare Medical CenterGeneral PractitionerDoctors are independent. A listing is not a recommendation. Before you book, you can check a doctor's licence in the health authority's public register. See all doctors.
Questions people ask
Do I need to fast for a kidney function test?
The Kidney Profile listing says fasting is not required. The Liver Profile listing recommends 8 hours of fasting, so if you book both, follow the liver instructions.
What does a low eGFR mean?
A lower eGFR can mean your kidneys are not filtering as well as they should. MedlinePlus notes it is not a perfect test, so a doctor may repeat it or order a urine protein test.
Can liver disease have no symptoms?
Yes. The NHS says most types of liver disease do not cause symptoms in the early stages, which is why blood tests are useful for people at risk.
Why do people with diabetes have kidney tests?
Diabetes and high blood pressure are common causes of chronic kidney disease, so regular kidney tests help find changes early.
Sources and further reading
- Liver Function Tests (MedlinePlus)
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) and GFR Tests (MedlinePlus)
- Urinalysis (MedlinePlus)
- Chronic kidney disease (NHS)
- Liver disease (NHS)
- Vomiting blood (NHS)
Read next
medicAI is not for emergencies. If someone is seriously ill or injured, call 998 or go to the nearest hospital.
This page is general information. It does not replace advice from a doctor who knows your situation. medicAI is a technology platform. Care is given by independent licensed facilities, who are responsible for it and for its outcome.
