Liver & Kidney Function Test

About this test

Key Benefits

Monitor important aspects of organ health with a convenient at-home test that provides insights into liver and kidney function.

• Comprehensive Assessment: Measures several biomarkers related to liver and kidney activity.

• Early Insight: Helps identify changes in important health markers.

• Convenient Testing: Collect your sample at home and receive secure digital results.

• Risk Factor Monitoring: Useful for individuals with lifestyle risk factors or a family history of liver or kidney conditions.

What This Test Measures

This panel measures several biomarkers commonly used to evaluate liver and kidney function.

Liver Function Markers

• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): An enzyme mainly found in the liver. Increased levels may occur when liver cells are affected.

• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): An enzyme found in the liver and other tissues such as muscles. Elevated levels may occur in conditions affecting these tissues.

• Bilirubin: A substance formed during the breakdown of red blood cells and processed by the liver. Changes in bilirubin levels may reflect liver or bile duct function.

• Albumin: A protein produced by the liver that helps maintain fluid balance in the bloodstream and transport substances throughout the body.

Kidney Function Markers

• Creatinine: A waste product generated by muscle metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys. Measuring creatinine can help assess kidney filtration function.

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): A waste product formed during protein metabolism and removed by the kidneys.

• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): A calculated value based on creatinine and other factors that estimates how effectively the kidneys filter waste from the blood.

How It Works

1. Order Your Kit
   Purchase your Liver & Kidney Function Panel online.

2. Collect Your Sample
   Follow the instructions to collect a small finger-prick dried blood spot (DBS) sample at home.

3. Mail to Lab
   Send your sample to our certified laboratory using the prepaid return packaging.

4. Receive Digital Results
   Within 2–5 business days after the laboratory receives your sample, your results will be available in your secure online portal.

Who Should Consider This Test

This at-home Liver & Kidney Function Test may be relevant for individuals who want to monitor important health markers, including:

• People concerned about lifestyle factors that may influence liver or kidney health.

• Individuals with a family history of liver or kidney conditions.

• Those taking long-term medications that may affect organ function.

• Individuals seeking convenient at-home testing without visiting a clinic.

• Health-conscious individuals who want baseline information or to monitor changes over time.

Biomarkers included

• Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a yellow pigment formed when red blood cells are broken down. It is transported to the liver, where it is processed (conjugated) and then excreted through bile. Measuring bilirubin helps assess how well the liver and bile flow pathways are functioning. Elevated levels may be seen with liver or bile duct problems (such as impaired bile flow) or with increased breakdown of red blood cel
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found mainly in liver cells. When liver cells are stressed or damaged, ALT can leak into the bloodstream, which is why it’s commonly used as a marker of liver health. Elevated ALT levels may indicate liver inflammation or injury and are seen in a range of conditions affecting the liver. ALT is typically interpreted together with other liver-related marke
• Creatinine: Creatinine is a waste product formed in muscles from the normal breakdown of creatine. It is released into the bloodstream and filtered by the kidneys, then excreted in urine. Because creatinine levels are influenced by how efficiently the kidneys filter blood, it is commonly used to assess kidney function. Elevated creatinine may indicate reduced kidney filtration or kidney disease, while low lev
• Albumin: Albumin is the most abundant protein in blood plasma and is produced by the liver. It helps maintain oncotic (osmotic) pressure, keeping fluid within the bloodstream, and it also transports many substances such as hormones, fatty acids, and certain medications. Measuring albumin can provide useful information about liver synthetic function and overall protein status. Abnormal levels may be seen in
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. Urea is a waste product formed in the liver when protein is broken down, and it is normally filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine. BUN is commonly used as part of an assessment of kidney function and hydration status. Elevated BUN levels may be seen with reduced kidney filtration, dehydration, higher protein intak
• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in several tissues, including the liver, heart, skeletal muscle, kidneys, and red blood cells. It is involved in amino acid metabolism and can be released into the bloodstream when cells in these tissues are stressed or damaged. Elevated AST may indicate liver injury, but because AST is not liver-specific, increased levels can also be seen with m
• eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): eGFR is an estimate of how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood. It is calculated using a formula based on blood creatinine together with factors such as age and sex (and sometimes additional variables depending on the equation used). A higher eGFR generally indicates better kidney filtering capacity, while a persistently low eGFR can suggest reduced kidney function or chro

How to prepare

Fasting for 8-12 hours is generally recommended. Specific instructions will be provided in your test kit.

Frequently asked questions

What specifically does the GetTested Liver & Kidney Function Test measure?

The GetTested Liver & Kidney Function Test, utilizing advanced dried blood spot technology, precisely assesses crucial biomarkers related to both liver and kidney function. For liver health, it typically measures enzymes like ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), and proteins such as Albumin, which are vital indicators of liver inflammation, damage, and synthetic capacity. For kidney health, the panel evaluates creatinine and BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), which are essential markers for gauging glomerular filtration rate and overall renal efficiency, providing a comprehensive functional overview.

How does the at-home dried blood spot test work, and what are the sample requirements?

Our convenient at-home dried blood spot test simplifies health monitoring. Upon receiving your kit, you'll find clear, step-by-step instructions for a simple finger prick collection, yielding a few drops of blood onto a specialized collection card. This method minimizes discomfort and eliminates the need for clinic visits. The dried blood spot sample is then mailed back to our CLIA-certified laboratory in the provided prepaid envelope, ensuring accurate and reliable analysis of your key health markers.

Who should consider taking the GetTested Liver & Kidney Function Test?

This panel is ideal for individuals seeking to proactively monitor their liver and kidney health, especially those with lifestyle factors that may impact these organs, such as dietary habits, medication use, or family history of related conditions. It's also suitable for those who prefer the convenience and privacy of at-home testing over traditional laboratory visits. While beneficial for baseline assessment, individuals with existing liver or kidney disease should consult their healthcare provider regarding the suitability of this test for their specific diagnostic or monitoring needs, as it provides a valuable snapshot for general wellness and early indicator detection.

What is the turnaround time for results, and how are they delivered?

After your dried blood spot sample arrives at our CLIA-certified laboratory, you can typically expect your comprehensive digital results within 2-5 business days. We prioritize efficiency without compromising accuracy. Your results are delivered securely through our online portal, ensuring privacy and immediate access from anywhere. This digital format allows for easy sharing with your healthcare provider for further discussion and ensures swift comprehension of your liver and kidney function status.

How accurate and reliable is the GetTested dried blood spot technology for liver and kidney function analysis?

The GetTested Liver & Kidney Function Test utilizes highly accurate and reliable dried blood spot (DBS) technology, processed in CLIA-certified laboratories that adhere to rigorous quality control standards, mirroring the precision of traditional venipuncture. Extensive validation studies confirm DBS accuracy across various biomarkers, including liver enzymes and kidney function markers, offering a robust alternative for routine screening and monitoring. This method ensures consistent and dependable results, building trust in your health data, making it a reliable tool for assessing crucial health indicators.

What is included in the price of the Liver & Kidney Function Test?

The price includes everything needed for a seamless testing experience: the at-home dried blood spot collection kit, detailed instructions, return shipping to our CLIA-certified laboratory, and professional analysis of your sample. You also receive a comprehensive digital report of your results, accessible through our secure online portal. There are no hidden fees, providing complete transparency and value for your investment in understanding your liver and kidney function.

How should I interpret my results, and what if they are abnormal?

Your digital report will clearly present your biomarker levels along with the established reference ranges, helping you understand where your results fall. While the report provides valuable insights into your liver and kidney function, it's crucial to remember that it is not a diagnostic tool. If any of your results are outside the normal range, we strongly recommend consulting with a healthcare professional to discuss the findings, potential causes, and appropriate next steps. This ensures personalized medical advice and guidance based on your individual health context, empowering you to take informed action.

Customer reviews

4.5/5 (4)

• 4/5 — As someone concerned about long-term medication use, I wanted a baseline for my liver and kidney function. This test offered an ideal solution. The kit itself was well-packaged, and the steps for sample collection were clear, although I did find the finger prick a little challenging to get sufficient blood for all the circles. Patience is key! Results were delivered to my secure online portal within the stated timeframe, around 5 business days after the lab received my sample. The report was comprehensive and easy to navigate, breaking down ALT, AST, creatinine, and other markers with their re
• 5/5 — I've been looking for a convenient way to keep an eye on my liver and kidney health, and this panel delivered! The at-home blood spot collection was surprisingly easy with clear instructions, and I didn't have any issues. I sent it back the same day I collected it. The results came back within 4 business days, which was quicker than I expected. The digital report was thorough and easy to understand, even for someone without a medical background. It broke down each marker and explained what the levels meant, which I really appreciated. It gives me peace of mind to have this information readily
• 5/5 — I purchased the Liver & Kidney Testl out of curiosity and for general health monitoring. The kit arrived promptly, and the instructions were very clear. Collecting the sample was less daunting than I anticipated; it was a simple finger prick. I dropped the sample in the mail, and my results were available digitally in just under 3 days! I was impressed by the speed. The report was detailed, outlining all the markers and explaining their significance in an accessible way. It’s a fantastic service for anyone who wants to easily check in on these vital organ functions without leaving their home.
• 4/5 — This kit was a good option for an at-home check-up. The process of collecting the blood sample was straightforward, though it took a couple of tries to get enough blood, which can be a bit fiddly. My main advice is to really pay attention to the fasting instructions – I think that's crucial for accurate results. I got my results back in about 5 days, and the online portal was user-friendly. The information provided in the report was informative, explaining what each biomarker indicates. It's a solid 4 stars from me; it provides valuable insight and convenience, but just be prepared for the sel