KIDNEY PANEL; KFT

The Kidney Function Test (KFT) measures levels of various substances, including  

• Electrolytes are electrically charged chemicals that are vital to normal body processes. Electrolytes include 
  • Sodium 
  • Potassium 
  • Chloride 
• Minerals 
  • Phosphorus is vital for energy production, muscle and nerve function, and bone growth 
  • Calcium is essential for the proper functioning of muscles, nerves, and the heart and is required in blood clotting and the formation of bones. 
• Albumin is a protein essential to keeping fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and transporting hormones, vitamins, drugs, and ions like calcium throughout the body. 
• Waste products 
  • Urea is a nitrogen-containing waste product that forms from the metabolism of protein 
  • Creatinine is produced by the body's muscles. Almost all creatinine is eliminated by the kidneys. 
  • Uric Acid is the end product of protein metabolism.
• Glucose supplies energy for the body. Excess glucose in the blood can be a sign of metabolic problems such as diabetes. 
• Total Protein is a count of several kinds of proteins found in the blood. These proteins include albumin and multiple types of globulins, which are made by the immune system. 
• A:G Ratio is the calculated ratio of albumin to globulins. It may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. 

The Kidney Function Test (KFT) is recommended  

• As part of a routine health checkup 
• Individuals experiencing symptoms of a kidney problem such as: 
  • Urinary changes including changes to the frequency, quantity, or appearance of the urine 
  • Unexplained swelling, especially in the arms, hands, legs, and/or face 
  • Itching 
  • Loss of concentration 
  • Appetite changes 
  • Difficulty breathing 
  • Nausea and/or vomiting 
  • Fatigue 
  • Muscle cramps or pain 
• Individuals with high risk factors for kidney disease. These risk factors include: 
  • Diabetes 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Heart disease 
  • A family history of kidney disease 
  • Smoking 
• Diagnose kidney disorders 
• Monitor treatment efficacy of kidney disorders 

A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in the arm. There are no special preparations required for Kidney Function Test (KFT), though your doctor may instruct you if any specific preparations are required for the test. 

The Kidney Function Test (KFT) is a safe, standard test with very minimal risks involved such as 

• Bleeding 
• Light headedness 
• Infection 
• Bruising

The normal value ranges of Kidney Function Test (KFT) results may vary slightly among different laboratories.  

The doctor will evaluate the results based on health, gender, age, medical history, and other factors.