Kidney Function Test Cost In India

What Is The Kidney Function Test (KFT)?

The Kidney Function Test, also known as a Renal Function Test (RFT), is a group of tests that measure the function of your kidneys. The kidneys play an important role in filtering waste products from your blood and regulating the levels of various substances in your body, such as electrolytes, acids, and fluids. The Kidney Function Test helps determine if your kidneys are working properly and can help diagnose and monitor various kidney-related medical conditions.

Common tests included in a Kidney Function Test (KFT) panel include:

1. Creatinine: This is a waste product produced by your muscles and is filtered by your kidneys. High levels of creatinine in your blood can indicate that your kidneys are not functioning properly.

2. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): This is a waste product produced when protein is broken down in your body. High levels of BUN can indicate that your kidneys are not removing waste products from your blood effectively.

3. Electrolytes: The levels of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, are important for the proper functioning of your cells, tissues, and organs. Abnormal levels of electrolytes can indicate a problem with your kidneys.

4. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): This is a measure of how well your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood. A low GFR can indicate that your kidneys are not working properly.

5. Uric acid: High levels of uric acid in your blood can indicate a problem with your kidneys, as well as other medical conditions, such as gout.

The Kidney Function Test is usually performed as a blood test, although it may also include a urine test. No special preparation is usually required for the test, but you may need to fast for a certain period of time before the test or avoid taking certain medications that can affect the results. Your doctor will provide you with the necessary instructions and information.

Symptoms Of Kidney Disease:

Kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys become damaged and are unable to function properly. Early stage kidney disease often has no symptoms, but as the disease progresses, symptoms can develop. Here are some common symptoms of kidney disease:

1. Fatigue: Kidneys play a role in producing red blood cells and regulating the levels of electrolytes in your body, so a loss of kidney function can result in fatigue.

2. Swelling: Kidneys play a role in regulating the levels of fluids in your body, so a loss of kidney function can result in swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.

3. Nausea and vomiting: Kidneys play a role in removing waste products from your body, so a buildup of these waste products can result in nausea and vomiting.

4. Itching: Kidneys play a role in removing waste products from your body, so a buildup of these waste products can result in itching.

5. Changes in urine: Changes in the amount, color, or smell of your urine can be an early sign of kidney disease. For example, dark or tea-colored urine can indicate that your kidneys are not removing waste products from your blood effectively.

6. High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage your kidneys, and kidney disease can cause high blood pressure.

7. Muscle cramps: Kidneys play a role in regulating the levels of electrolytes in your body, so a loss of kidney function can result in muscle cramps.

8. Trouble concentrating: A buildup of waste products in your blood can affect your ability to concentrate.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation. Early detection and treatment of kidney disease can help slow the progression of the disease and prevent complications.

How Is The Kidney Function Test Done?

The Kidney Function Test, also known as a Renal Function Test (RFT), is performed using blood and urine samples. The test is usually done in a laboratory or doctor’s office. Here is an overview of the steps involved in a Kidney Function Test:

1. Blood draw: A healthcare provider will use a needle to draw a sample of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.

2. Urine collection: You may be asked to provide a urine sample, which will be sent to the laboratory for analysis. You may be asked to collect your urine over a specified period of time, such as 24 hours, or you may be asked to provide a “spot” sample, which is a sample of urine collected at a specific time.

3. Laboratory analysis: The blood and urine samples will be analyzed to measure the levels of various substances, such as creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), electrolytes, and uric acid. The results of the laboratory analysis will be used to determine the function of your kidneys.

4. Evaluation of results: Your doctor will review the results of the Kidney Function Test and determine if your kidneys are functioning normally. If there is a problem with your kidney function, your doctor may order additional tests or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

No special preparation is usually required for the Kidney Function Test, but you may need to fast for a certain period of time before the test or avoid taking certain medications that can affect the results. Your doctor will provide you with the necessary instructions and information.

Kidney Function Test Results

The results of a Kidney Function Test (KFT) provide information about how well your kidneys are functioning. Here are some of the key aspects of the test results:

1. Creatinine: Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by muscle metabolism and filtered by the kidneys. A high level of creatinine in the blood indicates a decrease in kidney function.

2. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): BUN is a waste product that is produced when proteins are broken down in the body. A high level of BUN in the blood can indicate a problem with kidney function.

3. Electrolytes: Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, play important roles in maintaining the balance of fluids and electrolytes in your body. A disturbance in electrolyte levels can indicate a problem with kidney function.

4. Uric acid: Uric acid is a waste product that is produced when cells break down. A high level of uric acid in the blood can indicate a problem with kidney function.

5. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR): GFR is a measure of the rate at which your kidneys filter waste products from your blood. A low GFR indicates a decrease in kidney function.

6. Albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR): ACR is a measure of the amount of albumin (a protein) in your urine. A high ACR can indicate a problem with kidney function, such as proteinuria (excessive protein in the urine).

The results of the Kidney Function Test should be interpreted by a healthcare provider. If the results indicate a problem with kidney function, your doctor may order additional tests or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment. Early detection and treatment of kidney disease can help slow the progression of the disease and prevent complications.