Your kidneys and your lab tests
Neff shows what your kidneys do, and how we check on them.
- Episode 1
- 1 min 19 sec
- Words on screen
- Handout to print
Reviewed by Shree Mulay, MD on
Learn with Neff
Short videos about your kidneys, told in plain words. Watch at home, at your own pace. Share them with your family.
Meet Neff Roligeé (yes, it's a play on nephrology!). Neff is our kidney helper. Each video names the doctor who checked it.
- Watch
- About one minute each.
- Read along
- Every word is on the page.
- A one-page handout to keep.
Start with Episode 1
New to kidney care? Start here. Neff will walk you through the first steps.
- Episode 2: High blood pressure and your kidneysNeff shows how blood pressure and your kidneys are linked, and why we check them.
- Episode 3: Diabetes and your kidneysNeff shows how diabetes can harm your kidneys, and the two tests we use to check them.
- Episode 4: How to check your blood pressure at homeNeff shows how to check your blood pressure at home, step by step, and how to keep a log.
- Episode 5: The urine albumin testNeff explains the urine albumin test (UACR): what it looks for, and why we may check it again.
- Episode 6: Pain pills and your kidneysNeff explains why some common pain pills can hurt your kidneys, and why to ask us before you take or stop a medicine.
- Episode 7: Your first visitNeff shows what happens at your first visit with us, and what to bring.
- Episode 8: Salt and your kidneysNeff shows why too much salt is hard on your kidneys, where most sodium hides, and how to read the food label.
- Episode 9: CKD stages, one step at a timeNeff explains the five stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the two tests that show your stage.
- Episode 10: Tell every doctor about your kidneysNeff explains why all your doctors, and your pharmacist, should know you have kidney disease.
- Episode 11: When to call usNeff explains when to call us between visits, and what to do if you think it's an emergency.
- Episode 12: Kidney-kind New Year goalsNeff talks about small New Year goals that are kind to your kidneys: moving more, quitting smoking, and a healthy weight.
- Episode 13: Just told you have CKD?Neff explains what chronic kidney disease (CKD) means, and what comes next after you find out you have it.
- Episode 14: Medicines that help protect your kidneysNeff explains why we may add a pill even when you feel fine, and why to ask us before you start or stop a medicine.
- Episode 15: Potassium: not everyone needs to limit itNeff explains why only some people with kidney disease need less potassium, and how your blood tests tell us.
- Episode 16: More than a filter: what your kidneys doNeff shows that your kidneys do so much more than filter: they balance water, salts, and minerals, and make hormones.
- Episode 17: Your heart and your kidneysNeff explains how your heart and your kidneys work as a team, and how some of the same steps help both.
- Episode 18: Supplements and herbals: bring the bottlesNeff explains why natural does not always mean safe, and why to bring all your bottles to every visit.
- Episode 19: Who should get their kidneys checked?Neff explains who should get their kidneys checked, and the two simple tests that check them.
Myth busters
Heard something about your kidneys? Neff tells you what is true. Each one is a short video.
- Myth: Back pain means kidney problemsMost back pain comes from muscles or the spine. Most kidney disease does not hurt at all. A blood test and a urine test can check.
- Myth: Cranberry juice and detox teas clean your kidneysYour kidneys clean your blood. Cranberry is mostly talked about for bladder infections. Even there, the proof is mixed. It's not a cure.
- Myth: If I feel fine, my kidneys are fineEarly kidney disease usually has no symptoms. In fact, as many as nine in ten adults with kidney disease don't know they have it.
- Myth: A gallon of water a day protects your kidneysWater does help your kidneys clear out waste. But more is not always better. Some people with kidney disease need to drink less.
- Myth: CKD always means dialysisNot all people with kidney disease need it. You'd only need it if your kidneys fail. Even then, there's more than one path: dialysis, a transplant, or care without either.
- Myth: Nothing can slow kidney disease downTreatment has been shown to slow CKD. Taking care of your blood pressure and blood sugar may help slow it down. Staying active, not smoking, and taking your medicines as told may help, too.
- Myth: Kidney disease doesn't run in familiesIf a parent, brother or sister has kidney disease, your risk may be higher. That doesn't mean you will get it. It's a reason to get a blood test and a urine test.
- Myth: More protein is always betterWe all need protein in our food every day. But with kidney disease, extra protein can make your kidneys work harder. Too little isn't good either. The right amount depends on you and your kidneys.
How to use these videos
Watch
Find a quiet spot. Turn the sound up. The video is short.
Read or print
Read the words below the video. Or print the handout to keep.
Ask
Write down your questions. Bring them to your next visit.
Bring your questions to every visit.
More ways to learn
Want to read more? These pages are written for patients and families.
Have a question about your kidneys?
Call us, or ask at your next visit. We are glad to help.