Kidneys play an important role in filtering the waste material, expelling the waste material as urine, and keeping the water and electrolyte balance in the body. The Kidney Function Test (KFT) is a group...
Kidneys play an important role in filtering the waste material, expelling the waste material as urine, and keeping the water and electrolyte balance in the body. The Kidney Function Test (KFT) is a group of blood tests that are usually performed to measure how efficiently your kidneys are working and how well your kidneys clear waste from your system.
Other names: It is also known as Renal Function Test (RFT).
What is a KFT Test?
Kidney function tests, is also called KFT. It basically incorporates the urine or blood samples that would further evaluate the working of the kidneys. It has been seen that most of these tests usually measure the Glomerular filtration rate or the (GFR). GFR is the assessment on the filtration ability of the kidneys
General Function of the Kidneys
The kidneys perform an important role in regulating the nutrients in the body.This filtration process helps body to filter the waste materials and also further expel them in the form of urine. The kidneys are also important for the production of the following:
- The hormones for maintaining the blood pressure
- The RBC, Red blood cells
- The Vitamin D, this maintains bone and muscle health
Indications of a Kidney Function Test
Some debilitating conditions, like diabetes and high BP, blood pressure (Hypertension), affect kidney function. For any of these conditions above, the healthcare professional uses KFTs to monitor the conditions.
Other symptoms directing as an indication for getting KFT done are as follows:
- Hematuria-Blood presence in Urine
- Dysuria- Painful Urination
- Frequent urination urge
- Pain while you begin to use the washroom
Different types of kidney function tests?
- Blood Urea Nitrogen: This measures the nitrogen (derived from the protein breakdown) in blood.
- Estimated GFR or (eGFR): This calculates on how the filtration rates are based on the protein levels, the age, gender, size or race.
- Serum creatinine: This looks for buildup of the creatinine in the body, this is a waste product seen by tissue breakdown of muscle.
The 24-hour urine tests may also be used, including:
- Microalbuminuria: This test further looks for the specific protein which is called albumin.
- Urinalysis: This test further evaluates the urine for presence of blood, followed by proteins and their function.
How do I prepare for KFT test?
Before the test
The 24-hour urine tests at home. For this 24-hour urine test, your healthcare professional would hand over the container to further collect urine sample.
On the test day, the following instructions may be noted:
- On day one, use the toilet as usual and urinate right after you first wake up.
- Keep in mind that for the remaining day, next urinate into the given container.
- On day two, also urinate into the given container when right after you wake up.
- This should be then followed by dropping your sample off at the healthcare provider’s office/ collected via the technician at home and then sent to the laboratory.
- In general no fasting is required before the test per se but depending on the components sometimes overnight or 10-12 hours fasting may be asked
- Make sure to confirm with the healthcare professional before taking the test.
- You can also drink water but please make sure that you can’t drink any alcohol or beverage.
During the Test (Procedure)
For a KFT, visit Ganesh Diagnostic and Imagining Center or keep your sample ready at home. Where the blood tests for Kidney Function are concerned, they can be carried out both at home and at Ganesh Diagnostic center.
In this case, the technician would use small needle and a test tube to collect the blood sample from the patient.
Post Care or After the Test
The Kidney function tests are usually quite simple and therefore cause no further side effects. However, after the blood tests, some people might experience the following:
- Bruising at the site of needle
- Dizziness post the test
- Fatigue post the test
Note: It is important to understand that the Blood tests and urine tests usually don’t cause any long-term pain or further complications.
Contact Ganesh Diagnostic to seek help if the above symptoms persist for a few days.
Result Interpretation
Usually, the normal values seen in a healthy individual (Normal Range) are as follows:
|
Creatinine level |
Subpopulation |
|
is 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL (61.9 to 114.9 µmol/L) |
Male |
|
0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL (53 to 97.2 µmol/L) |
Female |
This is because women often have less muscle mass than men.
Furthermore, the Creatinine level also varies based on different characteristics such as the person’s size and the muscle mass.
A high creatinine level is generally over 1.3
Note: Certain conditions cause higher levels of creatinine.
- Example: Individuals with only one kidney have normal creatinine level - say 1.8 or 1.9.
- Infants and Adults: The creatinine level 2.0 or more in the infant population and 5.0 while in the adult population indicates severe kidney damage.
- People who are generally dehydrated have elevated levels of creatinine.
Low creatinine levels: Is often seen in individuals having low muscle mass and are in general not as considered serious or concerning medical problem.
Symptoms of High Creatinine Levels
It is often seen that individuals with high creatinine levels appear with no specific symptoms.
High creatinine levels are associated with kidney dysfunction (renal insufficiency)
Further symptoms may include the following:
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the lower limbs
- Excessive or lower- than- normal urination
- Excessive shortness of breath
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Nausea followed by vomiting
- Confusion experienced by the patient
Creatinine Clearance test
This evaluates the kidney function by detecting the amount of creatinine present in the urine and blood sample.
Why should Ganesh diagnostic and Imaging Centre be your preference?
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades. Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
It is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations.
NABH accreditation is proof of highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
The facility for Pathology testing operates 24x7, 365 days, providing service to patients round the clock!
Free home sample collection and digitally available test report enables patients to get tests done at the comfort of their homes.
All safety precautions are taken while collection and transportation of samples. Samples are collected in a hassle-free manner, labeled correctly and transported back to the lab safely.
Test report is generated within 24 hours of sample collection, therefore reducing the gap between diagnosis and treatment effectively.
Test report is available digitally too.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price.
The rates of tests are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
Patients can rely upon test reports as reports are 100% accurate.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre has skilled staff of radiologists, pathologists and technicians.
KFT Test: Rs 800 Rs 400
KFT test at Home: Rs 800 Rs 400
KFT with Bicarbonate: Rs 900 Rs 450
Kidney Panel: Rs 800 Rs 400
FAQ’s on Kidney Function Test
What is the purpose of a Kidney Function Test?
It is a blood test, urine test or both to determine the kidney health and function. The kidney profile test also measures several other parameters.
For example: creatinine, potassium, calcium. Also helps in calculating the Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), this further measure how efficiently kidneys are working to remove this waste from the body.
What is required for KFT test? Blood or Urine Sample?
It is seen that a 24-hour urine sample, blood test, or even both may be required for the kidney function evaluation.
Is fasting required for LFT and KFT?
Although fasting is not mandatory some other tests like LFT (Liver function test], serum electrolytes, vitamin B12, serum creatinine, it is highly recommended to fast before taking the test
Moreover, depending on the components sometimes overnight or 10-12 hours fasting may be asked. Make sure to confirm with the healthcare professional before taking the test.
What are the first signs of kidney problems?
Some common and early symptoms of the kidney problems include the following:
- Swelling over the legs, feet, and ankles
- Anemia and weakness
- Foamy urine or bloody urine
- Loss in the appetite of the patient
- Puffiness or inflamed eyes
- Vomiting /nausea during morning hours
- Unexplained increase or decrease in the frequency of urination
What is the color of the urine when the kidneys are failing?
In general the failing kidney functions leads to an extensive build-up of the different harmful waste and excess fluids in the system, this further causes the urine to different color i.e. turn bloody or into darker color than usual, even with tinge of brown,or red, or purple color.
It is important to note, a slight change in the color of the urine, they need to book a kidney function test online at Ganesh Diagnostic Center and should consult with the respective doctor immediately.
What all is Included in Ganesh Diagnostic KFT Panel?
- Uric Acid
- Creatinine
- BUN/Creatinine Ratio
- Urea/Creatinine Ratio
- Urea (Calculated)
- EGFR
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)/Serum Urea
- Calcium (Ca)
Can you do a KFT test after breakfast? Or is fasting required before the test?
Generally for a KFT test i.e. a blood test that does not require any preparation per se. Though, it is important to understand that sometimes for a Kidney function test components, it may require overnight fasting.
The fasting requirement is dependent on components being included in the test. Thus some labs may thus, not insist on fasting for kidney function tests.
To be on the safer side and if unsure, you can fast for 10-12 hours before the test is done by Ganesh Diagnostics and consult the center online for the next steps.
What is the difference between KFT and LFT?
The LFT is known to be group of tests that will evaluate the level of enzymes, proteins, and also Bilirubin produced by liver. These components would also help to understand the overall health of the liver and facilitate detecting possible liver diseases. The KFT with the electrolytes will evaluates the current health of the kidneys.
What is the Normal Range of KFT COMPONENTS?
|
Tests |
Reference Range |
|
Uric acid |
2.5- 6.2 mg/dL |
|
BUN |
7-17 mg/dL |
|
Creatinine |
0.66 - 1.25 mg/dL |
|
BUN: Creatinine ratio |
9:1-23:1 |
|
Calcium |
8.4 – 10.2 mg/dL |
What is normal GFR for different age groups?
|
Glomerular Filtration Rate |
Subpopulation |
|
100 to 130 mL/min/1.73m2 |
Male |
|
90 to 120mL/min/1.73m2 |
Female |
It is important to note that GFR usually decreases progressively after the age of 40.
For healthy people, the normal GFR is considered to be 90 or a higher value.
Here are the typical ranges to consider: A GFR above the value of 60 can be considered normal.
However, A GFR value below 60 may indicate kidney disease.
What are the side effects of kidney function test?
Kidney function tests are usually quite simple and straightforward and cause no side effects ahead. However, sometimes after the blood tests, some people may experience: Bruising, Dizziness etc.
What do my KFT test results mean? Would someone explain them to me?
In case the values of RFT tests are higher or lower than the expected normal range, it indicates that there might be an underlying renal disease condition. The test result also helps the healthcare professional to get a better idea of the overall health of the kidneys.
Abnormal KFT:
In case, there is an abnormal RFT value in any more one of the components of the RFT. This further does not confirm a kidney disease.
The test results of Renal/Kidney Function test have to be matched with patients previously provided medical history.
Where is this test done?
Test Conducted By Ganesh Diagnostic and Imagining Center.
In general, the costs of the KFT/RFT Test may vary as per the region and the facility.
This can be carried out both at home or at the center itself.
So, it is highly recommended that the test is carried out with utmost sincerity at trustworthy diagnostic centers like: Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre.
The different tests carried out for KFT are as follows:
KFT Test, KFT test at Home, KFT with Bicarbonate, KFT: Kidney Panel
