What is a kidney Function test?

The kidney function test (KFT) is a simple blood test that helps assess the function of the kidneys. Kidneys are vital organs essential for maintaining overall health by filtering waste and toxins from the blood and regulating water and essential mineral levels in the body.

When does one need a Kidney Function Test?

A KFT blood test is performed to determine the overall health of the kidneys and their functioning. Depending on the type of kidney function test, either a blood sample, urine sample, or both will be collected for analysis.

A kidney function test is generally prescribed by the doctors for the diagnosis of certain symptoms that indicate kidney disease, to monitor the efficacy of a treatment plan & side-effects of certain medication, or if a person is suffering from a health condition that may affect the kidneys.

Regular testing may help with the early detection of kidney diseases and is crucial for people with high risk factors of developing kidney diseases.

What are the different parameters of Kidney Function Test?

A kidney function test includes multiple parameters, few of them are mentioned below:

1. Phosphorus: Essential for bones, teeth, nerves, and muscles, phosphorus is primarily obtained from foods and beverages.
2. Calcium: Vital for bones, muscles, heart, and nerves, calcium is mainly sourced from diet and stored in bones.
3. Potassium: A key electrolyte, potassium aids in maintaining acid-base balance, fluid levels, and muscle and nerve function, sourced from dietary intake and distributed throughout the body.
4. Sodium: Another electrolyte obtained from diet, sodium levels are regulated by the kidneys.
5. Chloride: An electrolyte that supports fluid balance and other bodily functions, chloride works alongside other electrolytes.
6. Bicarbonate: Essential for assessing blood CO2 levels, bicarbonate is a crucial electrolyte.
7. Albumin: Produced in the liver, albumin transports substances in the blood and helps maintain blood vessel pressure to prevent fluid leakage.
8. Creatinine: A waste product from muscle activity, creatinine is filtered by the kidneys and excreted in urine.
9. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): A byproduct of protein metabolism, BUN is cleared from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine.
10. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): This measures kidney function by assessing how much blood the kidneys filter per minute, calculated using a formula based on creatinine levels.
11. Total Protein: This includes all types of proteins in the blood, such as albumin and various globulins produced by the immune system.
12. BUN-to-Creatinine Ratio: This ratio helps diagnose issues like kidney function, GI bleeds, dietary changes, malnutrition, or liver disease based on the comparison of BUN and creatinine levels.

With an extensive network, Dr Lal PathLabs is the ideal choice if you're searching for a "kidney function test near me". Schedule an appointment online or book a home collection with Dr Lal PathLabs. You can access your report online on our website or app within 24 hours of sample collection.  

Since various factors can influence an individual's normal range for a kidney function test, it's advisable to consult a doctor who can interpret the results accurately and recommend appropriate treatment or further testing, as needed.