Category: Blood Test
A Kidney Function Test (KFT) is a group of blood and urine tests used to evaluate the health and working ability of the kidneys. The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste products, removing excess fluids, balancing electrolytes, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining the body's chemical balance. KFT helps doctors determine how effectively the kidneys are performing these important functions.
The test usually includes measurements of Serum Creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Uric Acid, Electrolytes (Sodium and Potassium), and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). These values provide important information about kidney filtration and help identify early signs of kidney damage. In some cases, a urine test is also performed to check for protein, blood, or other abnormalities in urine.
Doctors commonly recommend KFT for people with symptoms such as swelling in the feet or face, changes in urination, fatigue, nausea, high blood pressure, back pain, or unexplained weakness. It is also used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney infections, kidney stones, diabetes-related kidney damage, hypertension-related kidney problems, and dehydration.
Patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney problems may require regular kidney function monitoring. The test is also important before starting certain medications that can affect kidney function, such as some antibiotics and pain medicines.
The procedure involves collecting a small blood sample from a vein, and sometimes a urine sample is required. Results are usually available within a few hours or one day. Early detection of kidney problems through regular testing allows timely treatment, lifestyle changes, and prevention of serious complications such as kidney failure.
The Kidney Function Test is performed to evaluate kidney health, measure kidney filtration ability, diagnose kidney diseases, detect early kidney damage, monitor chronic kidney conditions, check the effects of medications on kidneys, assess dehydration, and monitor patients with diabetes or high blood pressure.
No special preparation is usually required for a Kidney Function Test. Patients may be advised to drink normal amounts of water before the test. Inform the doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal products being used, as some medicines may affect kidney test results. If a urine test is included, proper sample collection instructions should be followed.
Serum Creatinine:
Men: 0.7–1.3 mg/dL
Women: 0.6–1.1 mg/dL