Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Causes & Risk Factors

CKD develops from a variety of underlying conditions and risk factors, often progressing gradually over years:

•  Diabetes — one of the leading causes of CKD worldwide.

•  Hypertension — both a cause and a consequence of kidney disease, creating a cycle that can accelerate progression.

•  Cardiovascular disease — shares risk factors with, and is closely linked to, kidney disease.

•  Family history of kidney disease.

•  Recurrent urinary abnormalities or kidney stones.

•  Long-term use of certain medications that may affect kidney function.

Symptoms & When to Test

Early CKD is often asymptomatic, which is precisely why proactive testing in at-risk individuals — rather than waiting for symptoms — is emphasized for early detection.

•  Often no symptoms in early stages

•  Fatigue, in more advanced disease

•  Swelling in the legs or around the eyes, as disease progresses

•  Changes in urination patterns

•  Symptoms may not appear until significant kidney function has already been lost

When Should You Consider Testing?

Testing may be considered in individuals with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, family history of kidney disease, recurrent urinary abnormalities, persistent proteinuria or albuminuria, abnormal creatinine or eGFR, recurrent kidney stones, or long-term use of medications that may affect kidney function.

Why Tests Are Combined

Serum creatinine and eGFR together estimate kidney filtration capacity, while urine ACR detects albumin loss — these are complementary rather than redundant, since a person can have reduced filtration with minimal albumin loss, or significant albumin loss with relatively preserved filtration, and CKD can present with either or both patterns.

Urinalysis, urea, and electrolytes provide broader information about overall urinary and metabolic status, while calcium/phosphate and PTH become increasingly relevant as CKD progresses, since mineral and bone disorders are a recognized complication of more advanced disease.

CBC is included because anemia is a common complication of CKD (related to reduced kidney production of erythropoietin), making it a relevant marker to monitor alongside direct kidney function tests as part of comprehensive CKD assessment.

Tests Available at NPL

Preparation requirements vary by specific test — please follow the instructions provided by your doctor or NPL for the tests ordered.

Home Sample Collection

NPL offers convenient home sample collection for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) blood tests, so you don't need to visit a lab in person.

→ Book your test online, via the NPL app, or by calling +977 1 5970147 and select a convenient time slot for home sample collection.

→ A certified and experienced NPL phlebotomist visits your home at the scheduled time, following strict hygiene and safety protocols.

→ Your sample is transported under controlled, monitored conditions to NPL's NABL ACCREDITED UNDER ISO 15189:2012laboratory for processing.

→ Your digital report is delivered securely to your phone or email, along with access to download and share it as needed.

When to See a Doctor

•  Known diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease — regular kidney screening is recommended

•  Family history of kidney disease

•  Recurrent urinary abnormalities or kidney stones

•  Abnormal creatinine or eGFR on prior testing

•  Unexplained swelling in the legs or around the eyes