A blood creatinine measurement is used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate, commonly called eGFR.
The result gives healthcare professionals an indication of how efficiently the kidneys are filtering the blood.
One abnormal result does not automatically establish chronic kidney disease. Doctors consider whether reduced kidney function persists and whether other signs of kidney damage are present.
### Urine Albumin Test
Healthy kidneys normally keep most albumin in the bloodstream.
When the kidney’s filtering structures are damaged, albumin may leak into the urine.
A urine albumin test can therefore detect kidney damage even when someone feels completely well.
### Blood Pressure
Blood-pressure measurement is another important part of kidney assessment because hypertension can both cause and result from kidney disease.
## Who Should Be Especially Aware of Kidney Health?
Anyone can develop kidney disease, but testing is particularly important for people with established risk factors.
These include:
