NGAL blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, or NGAL, is a small protein made by neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, and by the cells lining the kidney tubules. When those tubule cells are under strain, for example from reduced blood flow, dehydration or certain medicines, they release more NGAL into the blood and urine.

NGAL has been studied mostly as an early sign of acute kidney injury in hospital settings. In a planned clinic test it is a specialist marker: it adds information to established tests such as creatinine and eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), and it has limited value as a stand-alone check. Because neutrophils also release NGAL, infection and inflammation can raise it even when the kidneys are working well.

Your price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request. No GP referral is needed.

Who it is for

• You are already monitoring your kidney function and your practitioner wants an additional marker.
• You take medicines that can affect the kidneys and would like a broader view.
• You have diabetes or high blood pressure and are building a fuller picture of kidney health.
• Your creatinine or eGFR has changed and you would like more context before a follow-up.
• Your specialist has requested NGAL as part of ongoing care.

Understanding your result

A raised NGAL can suggest that kidney tubule cells are under stress, but it can also reflect a current infection, inflammation elsewhere in the body or long-standing kidney disease. For this reason it is always read together with creatinine, eGFR, urine tests and your symptoms. A normal NGAL is reassuring only in the context of those other results.

Your report shows the laboratory reference range. A result outside it is a prompt for discussion with your practitioner, not a diagnosis, and anything that needs further assessment can be passed to your GP.

Preparing for your test

You do not need to fast. Drink water normally, as being dehydrated can affect kidney markers. Avoid very heavy exercise the day before. Tell us about the medicines you take, especially anti-inflammatory painkillers, blood pressure tablets and diuretics, and let us know if you have had an infection recently, since this can raise NGAL. If you feel unwell with a sharp drop in how much urine you pass, seek urgent medical advice rather than booking a test.

NGAL is part of the specialist kidney section of Omnia Signature. For the standard measures of kidney function, the Kidney Health Check covers creatinine, eGFR, urea and electrolytes. See every blood test and price in Chiswick to compare.

Questions

How much is an NGAL blood test in Chiswick?

An NGAL test costs £69. This covers the sample at our clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

Is NGAL better than an eGFR test?

It is different rather than better. eGFR estimates how well the kidneys filter blood, while NGAL reflects stress on kidney cells. Most people should start with eGFR and creatinine.

Can an infection affect my NGAL result?

Yes. White blood cells release NGAL during infection and inflammation, so a recent illness can raise it without any kidney problem.

Can NGAL diagnose kidney disease?

No. Kidney disease is diagnosed using established blood and urine tests over time, together with a clinical assessment. NGAL adds supporting detail.