WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR KIDNEY FUNCTION TEST IS LOW?

Your kidneys are vital for removing waste, balancing electrolytes, and keeping your blood pressure stable. When a kidney function test shows low results, it means your kidneys may not be filtering blood as efficiently as they should. This can happen for many reasons, from temporary dehydration to long-term conditions like chronic kidney disease.

A low kidney function result can sound worrying, but it doesn’t always mean permanent damage. Sometimes it reflects a short-term problem that improves once the cause is treated. In other cases, it may signal an early stage of chronic kidney disease that can be managed through lifestyle changes and medical care.

At One Day Tests, our kidney function panels include eGFR, creatinine, and other essential markers to help you understand how your kidneys are performing. Every result is reviewed by our labs, giving you fast, clear answers about your kidney health.

Kidney function tests show how well your kidneys are cleaning waste and excess fluid from your blood. The most common markers include:

• Estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, which estimates how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood
  
  

• Creatinine, a waste product produced by muscles that rises when the kidneys aren’t working properly
  
  

• Urea, another waste product that reflects how well your kidneys remove toxins
  
  

• Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate, which help maintain balance in your blood
  
  

In addition to blood testing, doctors often use a urine test called the albumin-to-creatinine ratio, or ACR, to check for protein leakage. Protein in urine can be an early sign of kidney damage, even when eGFR levels still appear normal.

At One Day Tests, our kidney function test combines these markers to give you a detailed picture of your kidney performance. Whether you’re monitoring an existing condition or checking your health proactively, the results provide clarity on how your kidneys are functioning and what to do next.

When a kidney function test is low, it means your kidneys are filtering less blood than expected. The main measurement used is eGFR, or estimated glomerular filtration rate. A healthy eGFR is typically above 90. An eGFR between 60 and 89 may suggest early changes, while values below 60 can indicate reduced kidney function.

Low results can be temporary or long-term. For example, dehydration or certain medications can reduce kidney function for a short period. However, consistently low readings over several tests may point to chronic kidney disease, where kidney performance gradually declines over time.

Doctors often repeat testing over several months to confirm whether the problem is ongoing. A single low result isn’t always a cause for alarm, but it’s an important signal to monitor your kidney health closely.

There are several possible reasons why kidney function results may be low. These include:

• Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, which can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys
  
  

• Acute kidney injury, often caused by dehydration, infection, or certain medications
  
  

• Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen
  
  

• Autoimmune or genetic conditions that affect kidney tissue
  
  

• Blockages in the urinary tract that prevent normal kidney drainage
  
  

Your doctor may recommend further tests, including imaging scans or urine analysis, to identify the exact cause. Understanding what’s behind a low result helps guide treatment and prevent further damage.

In some cases, yes. If your low kidney function is caused by an acute condition, such as dehydration or infection, it can often return to normal once the underlying problem is treated. However, if chronic kidney disease is the cause, the damage is usually permanent.

Even so, there are many ways to protect your kidneys and slow further decline:

• Control blood pressure and blood sugar levels
  
  

• Stay hydrated without over-drinking
  
  

• Eat a balanced, low-salt diet
  
  

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
  
  

• Limit painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs unless prescribed
  
  

At One Day Tests, you can recheck your kidney function regularly to track improvement or stability. Regular monitoring is especially important for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.

If you receive a low kidney function result, it’s important not to panic. Your first step should be to confirm the result with a repeat test after a few weeks. Kidney function can fluctuate, and one reading alone is not enough to diagnose chronic kidney disease.

Your healthcare provider may also suggest a urine albumin test, called an ACR, to check for protein in your urine. This helps identify early kidney damage before symptoms appear. If results remain low, you may be referred to a nephrologist, a specialist who manages kidney conditions.

At One Day Tests, we make it easy to repeat testing or book a comprehensive kidney health check. All reports include lab-reviewed guidance, helping you understand what your results mean and what steps to take next.

Maintaining healthy kidneys is closely linked to overall lifestyle. You can support your kidney health by:

• Managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels
  
  

• Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while reducing salt intake
  
  

• Staying active to maintain a healthy weight
  
  

• Drinking water regularly, but avoiding excessive fluid intake
  
  

• Avoiding high doses of over-the-counter painkillers
  
  

• Monitoring your kidney function at least once a year if you have risk factors
  
  

Even small changes to your daily habits can make a meaningful difference in preserving kidney function and preventing further decline.

A low kidney function result can be an early warning sign, but it doesn’t always mean permanent damage. Many causes are reversible, and even when long-term conditions are involved, early testing can slow or prevent progression.

Regular monitoring gives you the best chance of maintaining healthy kidney function. With One Day Tests, you can check your kidney health quickly and easily through accurate, lab-reviewed blood tests. Whether you choose a home test or a visit to one of our clinics, you’ll receive clear, actionable information to protect your long-term wellbeing.