New England · Kidney (Renal) Function Test Panel
Kidney (Renal) Function Test Panel in Massachusetts
Kidney (Renal) Function Test Panel can be ordered without a referral from your own doctor, and this guide covers what to expect. This panel checks how well your kidneys are filtering waste and balancing fluids. It gives a broad picture of kidney health.
Lab requirements in Massachusetts
Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Kidney (Renal) Function Test Panel in MA. Review each item and confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Physician's order
- Included. A physician's order is required for lab testing and is provided for you by our partner's physicians — no referral from your own doctor is needed.
- Fasting
- Some tests require fasting or avoiding certain foods or drinks beforehand. You will be informed when you order — confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Preparation
- Preparation instructions can vary depending on the specific tests included, so follow the collection lab's directions. In many cases, no special preparation is needed, but you should…
- Sample & visit
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Identification
- Bring the lab requisition form from your account. The collection lab may also ask for a government-issued photo ID.
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Availability
- Our partner lab does not serve ND, RI, NY, NJ, MD or HI. Confirm availability for your location with the collection lab.
Before you go
- Order your test before visiting a lab, then use the requisition form in your account.
- Print the requisition form, or fax it to the lab directly from your account.
- No scheduling is needed — visit the collection lab during its normal business hours.
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID in case the lab requests it.
- Results are posted to your secure account within 1–3 business days.
Requirements are summarized from our partner lab's published policies. Preparation and availability can change — confirm current instructions with the collection lab before your visit.
What this test is
The Kidney Function Panel is a group of blood and urine tests that assess how well your kidneys are working. It typically includes measures of waste products, electrolytes, and proteins. Together, these tests help evaluate overall kidney function.
What it measures
- Creatinine — a waste product that reflects how well the kidneys filter
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) — another waste product that indicates kidney function
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) — an estimate of the kidneys' filtering capacity
- Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate) — minerals that help maintain fluid and acid-base balance
- Calcium and Phosphorus — minerals that are regulated by the kidneys
- Albumin — a protein that can indicate kidney damage if present in urine
What the test involves
The panel usually requires a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. You may also be asked to provide a urine sample, depending on the specific tests included.
Why it is often ordered
A clinician may order this panel to screen for kidney problems, especially if you have conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. It can also help monitor kidney function if you are taking medications that affect the kidneys or have known kidney disease.
Preparation
Preparation instructions can vary depending on the specific tests included, so follow the collection lab's directions. In many cases, no special preparation is needed, but you should confirm with the lab.
How results are reported
Results are reported as numeric values for each marker, often with a reference range provided by the testing laboratory. Reference ranges can differ between labs, so your results should be interpreted in the context of the lab that performed the test.
Before you go
- Whether fasting is required for your specific panel
- If a urine sample is needed in addition to a blood draw
- Any medications or supplements that might affect the test results
Cities
Kidney (Renal) Function Test Panel in Massachusetts communities
Choose your city for local context and to order this test.