Specialist marker · Kidneys
An NGAL (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) blood test measures a protein released by stressed or injured kidney cells. It can rise before creatinine and eGFR change, which makes it an early warning marker. NGAL is included in TrueVitals Signature (£799), read alongside creatinine, cystatin C, eGFR, urine ACR and beta-2-microglobulin.
Standard kidney tests (creatinine and eGFR) measure how well your kidneys filter, and they only change once a fair amount of function has been lost. NGAL is different: kidney tubule cells release it when they are under stress, so it reflects damage happening now rather than function already lost.
It was developed for hospitals to spot acute kidney injury early. In a wellness panel it adds an extra layer to the kidney picture.
NGAL on its own is non-specific, because inflammation elsewhere can raise it. Signature reads it with creatinine, cystatin C, eGFR, urine ACR, beta-2-microglobulin, hs-CRP and white cells, so a raised NGAL from an infection is not mistaken for kidney damage.
| Option | Includes it | Price | What else you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| TrueVitals Signature | Yes | £799 incl. draw | NGAL with creatinine, cystatin C, eGFR, urine ACR and beta-2-microglobulin among 230 biomarkers. Clinician-reviewed report. |
| TrueVitals Ultimate | No | £399 incl. clinic draw | Creatinine, cystatin C, eGFR and urine tests; urine ACR can be added for £39. |
| NHS / hospital | Hospital only | Free | Used in some hospitals to spot acute kidney injury early. Not offered for routine screening. |
TrueVitals prices checked 5 November 2026. Every TrueVitals report is clinician-reviewed. Pay in instalments with Klarna or Clearpay. Signature is drawn at one of 70 Randox Health clinics; Ultimate at one of 103 partner clinics or with a home visit.
Not a stand-alone diagnosis: a raised NGAL needs reading with the other kidney markers and any recent illness. If several kidney markers are abnormal, your report says so plainly and suggests sharing the results with your GP.
A private panel is a good way to get a baseline, understand a result in context and track it over time. It does not replace your GP for symptoms, and anything that needs follow-up is flagged in plain words in your report.
NGAL on its own rarely tells the whole story. In TrueVitals panels it is reported with these related markers:
No. Ultimate includes creatinine, cystatin C and eGFR. NGAL is included in Signature.
They measure different things. eGFR shows how well your kidneys filter; NGAL shows whether kidney cells are under stress right now. Together they give a fuller picture.
Yes. White blood cells release NGAL during infection or inflammation, which is why it is read with hs-CRP and the white cell count.
Avoid very hard exercise for two days before, and drink normally so you are not dehydrated.
Signature includes fasting markers, so an overnight fast with water only is advised.
How this page was written: by James Smillie, founder of TrueVitals, reviewed by the TrueVitals clinical review team, using NHS and laboratory reference sources. Ranges are typical values; your report uses your lab's own ranges. TrueVitals sells the panels named on this page, so we have stated plainly what this test cannot do. Last updated 5 November 2026.
Signature: 230 biomarkers including NGAL, cystatin C and urine ACR, £799 including the draw. Clinician-reviewed report.
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