Overview
Kidney Function Test (KFT) is a diagnostic test that evaluates how well the kidneys are filtering waste and maintaining electrolyte balance. It typically measures parameters like serum creatinine, Urea, Uric Acid and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). KFT helps detect kidney-related disorders, monitor chronic conditions, or assess the impact of medications on kidney health.
What is the Kidney Function Test ?
A Renal function Panel could be ordered when a patient has Risk factors for Kidney Dysfunction such as
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Obesity, elevated Cholesterol, or a family history of Kidney disease. A Renal function panel may also be ordered when someone has signs and symptoms of Kidney Disease, though early Kidney disease often does not cause any noticeable symptoms. It may be initially detected through routine Blood or Urine testing.
What is the Purpose of the Kidney Function Test ?
Kidney Function Test is advised to for following analysis:
- Diagnosis: This testing aids in the detection of a health issue after signs or symptoms have appeared. If your doctor suspects that your symptoms are caused by a kidney problem, he or she may advise a renal panel.
- Screening: This testing aids in the detection of problems at an early stage. Screening tests are performed before any symptoms appear. If you are at a higher risk of developing kidney disease, a renal panel may be recommended to help detect problems early on.
- Monitoring: This testing assists in determining how your situation can be tracked over time. Regular renal panel testing can determine whether a kidney condition is improving or deteriorating. This monitoring may be advised after the kidney disease treatment. It can also be used to monitor changes in kidney function while taking medications that may cause kidney impairment.
When is a Kidney Function Test Recommended ?
If you have following symptoms, then Kidney Function Test is advised:
- Urinary changes that may include frequency, quantity, or appearance of your urine
- Unexplained swelling (particularly Arms, Hands, Legs, and/or Face)
- Loss of concentration
- Itching
- Appetite changes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps or pain
Preparation for Kidney Function Test
- Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, there is no need for you to make any special preparations before the Kidney Function Test.
- Other blood tests can be carried out in addition to a Kidney Function Test. If your doctor advises you to have multiple tests at once, they may ask you to fast for a specific period of time prior to a blood test.
- Drink adequate water before sample collection.
- Avoid vigorous physical activity before the sample collection.
- Follow the preparatory instructions as guided by your doctor.
What is the Cost of a Kidney Function Test ?
The Price of a Kidney Function Test test is Rs. 600. However, cost of the test may fluctuate depending on following factors:
- Other tests advised along with Kidney function test
- Offers or discounts
- Empanelment of the patient
Components of Kidney Function Test
- Creatinine: Creatinine is a type of body's waste byproduct that is constantly produced as a result of normal muscle activity. The kidneys remove creatinine from the blood so that it can be excreted out through urine.
- Creatinine eGFR: The eGFR measures kidney function and evaluates how much blood the kidneys filter each minute. There are several methods for calculating eGFR, but most tests use a unique formula based on your creatinine level.
- Urea: A waste product of protein metabolism is urea nitrogen, sometimes simply referred to as urea. Ammonia is created during this process and subsequently transformed into urea, a less harmful form. It is eliminated from the body through urine, just like creatinine, by the kidneys.
- Uric Acid: A Kidney Function Test (KFT) that includes uric acid testing evaluates the kidney's ability to remove waste from the blood. Increased risk of diseases like gout or possible kidney dysfunction can be indicated by elevated uric acid levels. It is essential to keep an eye on uric acid levels in order to manage kidney health and avoid complications.
- Electrolytes: Electrolytes are vital minerals found in blood, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, which are necessary for nerve and muscle function, fluid balance, and muscle contraction. Unusual electrolyte levels may be a sign of dehydration, kidney disease, or other illnesses.
- Sodium: Abnormal sodium levels can indicate issues with kidney function, dehydration, or conditions like hyponatremia or hypernatremia.
- Potassium: Abnormal potassium levels, whether too high (hyperkalemia) or too low (hypokalemia), can indicate kidney dysfunction or other serious health conditions.
- Chloride: Abnormal chloride levels can signal kidney issues, dehydration, or problems with acid-base balance in the body.
How is the Kidney Function Test Done?
The blood sample for Kidney Function Test is taken in following steps:
- The area where the needle will be inserted to take your blood is cleaned with an antiseptic alcohol wipe. The hollow on the inside side of the elbow or the tip of the finger are the most common sites for this.
- A tourniquet or a band is tied around your upper arm to facilitate the access to the vein in your arm.
- A needle is used to puncture your vein. The blood sample is collected into a test tube attached to the needle. The needle may cause a small pinch or sting when it is inserted.
- Once the vial or test tube is filled, the blood sample collection for the test is finished and the needle is taken out.
- Finger pressure is applied on the puncture site to stop the bleeding and the band aid is applied at the site.
Interpreting the Kidney Function Test Results
Each test component will be displayed separately in the test report from a renal panel. Each line item will display the measurement found in your sample along with the testing laboratory's reference interval.
Test |
Conventional Units |
SI Units |
Glucose (Adult) |
74-100 mg/dL |
4.1-5.6mmol/L |
Phosphorus (Adult) |
2.5-4.5 mg/ dL |
0.81-1.45 mmol/L |
Calcium (Adult) |
8.6-10.3 mg/dL |
2.15-2.57 mmol/L |
Potassium (Adult) |
3.5-5.1 mEq/L |
3.5-5.1 mmol/L |
Sodium (Adult) |
136-145 mEq/L |
136-145 mmol/L |
Chloride (Adult) |
98-107 mEq/L |
98-107 mmol/L |
Bicarbonate (Adult) |
23-29 mEq/L |
23-29 mmol/L |
Albumin (Adult) |
3.5-5.2 g/dL |
35-52 g/L |
Creatinine (Male) |
0.62-1.10 mg/dL |
55-96 µmol/L |
Creatine (Female) |
0.45-0.75 mg/dL |
40-66 µmol/L |
BUN (Adult) |
6-20 mg/dL |
2.1-7.1 mmol/L |
Test results that are abnormal might point to a medical condition or a Kidney-related problem. Still, doctors seldom depend solely on a single test result. Alternatively, they might search for patterns in the abnormal measurements and the heights and lows of those levels in relation to the respective reference ranges.
To determine the significance of your renal panel test, it is crucial to consider these many factors. As a result, you should always discuss the test results with your doctor, who is best qualified to interpret the results and provide guidance on how these will affect your overall health and well-being.
How to Schedule A Kidney Function Test with Dr. B. Lal Lab ?
- Go to the Dr. B. Lal Lab website.
- Go to the “Book a test” tab.
- Select the “Lab Test” tab.
- Type “Kidney Function Test” in the search bar.
- Click on the test.
- The test page with all the test details will show up.
- Click on “Book Now”.
- Login and verify your mobile number with OTP.
- Now enter your details.
- Select date & time for booking Kidney Function Test in Jaipur.
- Check out.