Chronic kidney disease affects over 10% of adults worldwide, and most lose more than half their kidney function before experiencing any symptoms. The kidney function test catches this silent damage early, when lifestyle change and medication can halt progression rather than manage failure.
The kidney function panel doesn't measure one thing. It measures the full spectrum of renal activity. Together, creatinine, eGFR, urea, electrolytes, and uric acid show how well the kidneys are filtering, what waste is accumulating, and whether the body's salt balance is being maintained.
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Creatinine & eGFR
Creatinine is a muscle waste product filtered entirely by the kidneys. Elevated creatinine indicates reduced filtration. eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) is calculated from creatinine, age, and sex. It gives the kidney's functional percentage. Below 60 = chronic kidney disease; below 15 = kidney failure.
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Urea & Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl, CO₂)
Urea is a nitrogen waste product of protein metabolism. Elevated urea alongside high creatinine confirms kidney failure. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate) reflect the kidneys' ability to maintain fluid and acid-base balance, dangerously abnormal electrolytes require urgent intervention.
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Uric Acid
Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism, cleared by the kidneys. Elevated uric acid (hyperuricaemia) causes gout (crystal deposits in joints) and accelerates kidney damage. Monitoring uric acid is essential in patients on diuretics, those with gout history, or anyone with declining kidney function.
When to Test
Five Reasons to Get a Kidney Function Test
01
Diabetes or Hypertension: Annual Monitoring
Diabetes and hypertension are the two leading causes of chronic kidney disease in Nigeria. Every diabetic and hypertensive patient should have annual kidney function testing. Nephropathy (kidney damage) is silent until advanced, the only way to catch it early is to test regularly.
02
Swollen Ankles, Puffy Face, or Reduced Urination
Fluid retention (oedema): particularly bilateral ankle swelling, periorbital (around-eye) puffiness, or frothy urine, signals that the kidneys are failing to filter protein and fluid normally. These symptoms require urgent kidney function testing.
03
Long-Term NSAID or Herbal Supplement Use
Regular ibuprofen, diclofenac, or aspirin use reduces kidney blood flow chronically. Many Nigerian herbal preparations contain nephrotoxic compounds. Anyone who regularly takes NSAIDs or herbal remedies should have annual kidney function testing to detect early damage.
04
Known or Suspected Gout
Gout is caused by hyperuricaemia: the same condition that damages kidneys. Uric acid monitoring is essential in gout management: it guides urate-lowering therapy dosing and detects early renal involvement from chronic hyperuricaemia.
05
Before Starting Nephrotoxic Medications
Aminoglycoside antibiotics, lithium, methotrexate, and ACE inhibitors require baseline and monitoring kidney function tests. Doctors prescribing these medications need creatinine and eGFR to calculate safe doses and detect early toxicity.
CKD Staging by eGFR
Stage 1 (eGFR ≥90)
Normal
Stage 2 (eGFR 60–89)
Mildly reduced
Stage 3 (eGFR 30–59)
Moderately reduced
Stage 4–5 (eGFR <30)
Severe / Failure
⚕️ CKD staging requires consistent results on two occasions at least 3 months apart. A single abnormal result may reflect dehydration or illness, retest before staging.
Preparation
How to Prepare for Your Kidney Function Test
Simple preparation ensures creatinine results reflect kidney function accurately, not exercise or diet artefact.
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Stay Well Hydrated
Dehydration transiently elevates creatinine and urea: making kidney function appear worse than it is. Drink normally in the 24 hours before your test. Avoid vigorous exercise the day before, as muscle breakdown from intense exercise raises creatinine temporarily.
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Morning Fasting Sample Preferred
Fasting for 8 hours before testing is preferred. It standardises results and allows glucose and lipid testing in the same blood draw if needed. Urea rises after a large protein meal, so a fasting sample gives the most representative kidney function picture.
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List All Medications
ACE inhibitors, ARBs, NSAIDs, metformin, and diuretics all affect kidney function markers. We need your full medication list to interpret results correctly. Do not stop medications before the test unless your doctor specifically instructs you to. We interpret results in the context of what you take.
Why Choose Us
Trusted Renal Testing in Akoka & Beyond
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eGFR Calculated and Reported
We don't just report raw creatinine: we calculate and report the eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), which is the clinical standard for assessing kidney function. This gives your doctor actionable staging rather than a number that requires further calculation.
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Same-Day Results
Kidney function results are available the same day. For patients on diuretics, hypertensives, or diabetics who need regular monitoring, same-day results mean same-day medication adjustments if needed, no waiting for the next clinic visit.
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Trending and Historical Results
For chronic kidney disease monitoring, the trend of eGFR over time matters more than any single result. We maintain your test history so declining function is identified early, before it crosses into a higher CKD stage.
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Confidential Medical Records
All test results and medical history are handled confidentially. Results are released only to the patient or to medical professionals with the patient's consent.
"I'm diabetic and was told to check my kidneys annually. Mascot Healthcare does the full panel, creatinine, eGFR, urea, electrolytes. My eGFR has been stable at 68 for three years. That monitoring and the reassurance that nothing is getting worse is invaluable."
Prices change, so we don't print them on this page. The current price is on our live price list, or call 0816 586 6252 to ask.
When are you open?
Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. We are closed on Sundays and Nigerian public holidays.
How should I prepare?
See our test and scan preparation guide. Good to know for this test: Morning fasting sample preferred; Same-day results. If you are unsure, message us on WhatsApp before you come.
Can I come here in an emergency?
No. We don't handle emergencies. For chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke, heavy bleeding or any other emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 112.
Do you accept HMO or health insurance?
Not at the moment. You pay at the clinic by cash, card, POS or bank transfer.