Kidney Test

This test is used to check creatinine, protein, and specific gravity levels in urine samples. The result is determined by visually comparing the test strip to the color chart printed on the packaging (see bottom).

Creatinine

Creatinine is a waste product in the blood that passes through the kidneys to be filtered and eliminated in the urine. It is a byproduct of normal muscle activity. The more muscle mass a person has, the more creatinine they produce. Creatinine levels reflect both muscle mass and kidney function. Women generally have lower creatinine levels than men due to having less muscle mass on average.

Protein

Under normal circumstances, urine should contain little to no protein. If protein is present, it may indicate a problem with your kidneys’ filtration ability.

Specific Gravity

The kidneys remove waste substances from the body. The concentration of the excreted molecules determines the urine’s specific gravity. In adults, normal specific gravity is about 1.000 to 1.030. Increases in specific gravity — i.e., higher concentration of dissolved substances — can be associated with kidney failure or reduced blood flow to the kidneys.

How the self-test works:

1. Open the foil pouch and remove the test strip.
2. Urinate into a cup and dip the test strip into the urine.
3. Read the result after approximately 1 minute.