Kidneys play a vital role in keeping the body balanced and healthy. They remove waste, control fluid levels, manage blood pressure, and help produce important hormones. But kidney problems often develop quietly, without symptoms until much later.
That’s why regular kidney function testing is important—especially for people at higher risk. The question is: how often should you get your kidneys tested?
There isn’t one answer for everyone. How often you need testing depends on your overall health, age, and medical history. For healthy people with no known risk factors, routine kidney tests are not always needed. However, a simple check every few years during regular health checkups can still be useful, especially as you get older.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, early kidney disease affects 1 in 10 people worldwide, and many of them don’t know they have it. Regular testing can help catch problems early, when they are easier to manage.
If you have risk factors for kidney disease, testing becomes much more important. People with diabetes or high blood pressure are at the highest risk, as these conditions can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys over time. For these individuals, experts recommend testing at least once a year.
This is supported by guidelines from the American Diabetes Association and the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) group. Research shows that yearly testing can help detect early signs of kidney damage, which may lead to changes in medication or lifestyle to slow disease progression.
Other groups who should have regular testing include people over the age of 60, those with heart disease, a family history of kidney problems, or those who take medications that can affect the kidneys, such as certain painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
For these people, doctors often recommend tests once a year or more frequently if needed. A study published in BMJ Open found that older adults benefit from regular kidney function monitoring, as age-related decline can go unnoticed until it becomes serious.
The main tests used to check kidney health are simple and non-invasive. A blood test called serum creatinine is used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which tells how well the kidneys are filtering waste.
A GFR of 90 or higher is considered normal. Another common test is a urine test to check for protein (called albumin). Protein in the urine can be an early sign of kidney damage, even when GFR is still normal. These two tests, when done together, give a clear picture of how the kidneys are working.
If your test results are normal, and you have no risk factors, you may not need testing again for a few years. But if results are borderline or you’re at risk, your doctor might suggest testing every 6 to 12 months. In people who already have chronic kidney disease (CKD), testing is done more often—sometimes every few months—to track changes and guide treatment.
In summary, kidney testing isn’t something everyone needs frequently, but for those with risk factors or signs of kidney trouble, regular checks are essential.
Early detection helps prevent serious complications like kidney failure, heart problems, or the need for dialysis. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk and what testing schedule is right for you. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your long-term health.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about pesticide linked to chronic kidney disease, and this drug may prevent kidney failure in people with diabetes.
For more health information, please see recent studies about drug duo that may treat kidney failure, and results showing these vegetables may protect against kidney damage.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
