What is a kidney function test (KFT)?

Kidney function tests are urine or blood tests that evaluate how well your kidneys are working. Most of these tests measure glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR assesses how efficiently your kidneys clear waste from your system.

What are the other names for the kidney function test (KFT)? 

KFT test is also known as Kidney Function Panel, Kidney Panel, and Renal Function Panel.

What are the test parameters included in the KFT blood test?

KFT test parameters are as follows:

1. Blood Urea Nitrogen
2. Blood Urea
3. Creatinine
4. Calcium
5. Phosphorus
6. Uric Acid
7. Sodium
8. Potassium
9. Chloride

Why is the KFT test done?

Certain health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes affect the functioning of the kidneys. In case a person is suffering from these conditions, the healthcare provider might use kidney function tests in order to properly monitor these conditions. Also, a kidney function test is prescribed if the patient shows any indication of possible kidney diseases. These symptoms are hematuria (blood in the urine), dysuria (painful urination), frequent urination, problems with urination, etc. 

What does a kidney function test measure?

A KFT test includes multiple measurements. Usually, not all kidney tests (renal panel) are exactly the same. The components may vary from laboratory to laboratory, or the measurements may be requested by the doctor prescribing the tests.

The most common components tested in most renal panels include:

1. Blood Urea/Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): The blood urea nitrogen test is derived from the blood urea. Sometimes it is also called urea. Blood urea is a waste product of protein activity. Like creatinine, it is removed from the blood by the kidneys and cleared from the body in the form of urine.
2. Creatinine: Creatinine is the byproduct that is consistently formed as a result of normal muscle activity. The kidney removes creatinine from the blood so that it can be carried out of the body in the form of urine.
3. Calcium: Calcium is a mineral that is very vital for the bones, muscles, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. An excess of calcium makes the kidneys work harder to filter it.
4. Phosphorus: Phosphorus is a very essential mineral for the bones, teeth, nervous system, and muscles. Phosphorus is also needed to help balance and use other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, iodine, magnesium, and zinc. This phosphorus comes primarily from the foods and drinks that we consume.
5. Uric Acid: Uric Acid test is to analyze a nitrogenous compound that is produced by the metabolic breakdown of purine. Uric acid is also formed from the metabolic breakdown of the same types of food, like red meat, seafood, beans, etc. 
6. Sodium: Sodium is an electrolyte that comes from the diet, and the levels of sodium (Na) in the body are mainly controlled by the kidneys.
7. Potassium: Potassium plays a key role in a number of bodily processes, including nerve transmission, heart contractility, cellular transport, and normal kidney function. Potassium is a type of electrolyte. Electrolytes are minerals that enable acid-base balance, healthy fluid levels, and proper functioning of muscles and nerves. Potassium comes from the diet and is found throughout the body.
8. Chloride: Chloride is an electrolyte that works in conjunction with other electrolytes to carry out several functions, including preserving a healthy balance of fluids.

What condition/disease does KFT test detect?

The kidney function test, aside from monitoring the kidney’s functions, can also help in the detection of some diseases and health conditions of a person. If the test parameters show a value that ranges above or below normal, there is a chance that the person is suffering from a certain health condition. A KFT can detect chronic kidney diseases, kidney failure, diabetes, kidney stones, hypertension, etc. 

Who should get a kidney function test (KFT)? 

A kidney function test is most frequently used as a diagnostic test when you have symptoms that could be explained by a kidney problem. These types of examples of symptoms that can be tied to kidney impairment or disease include:

1. Urinary changes include changes to the frequency, quantity, or appearance of your urine.
2. Swellings, especially in your arms, hands, legs, and/or face.
3. Itching
4. Loss of concentration
5. Appetite changes
6. Difficulty breathing
7. Nausea and/or vomiting
8. Fatigue
9. Muscle cramps or pain

A test like a kidney (renal) function may also be used for diagnosis when you have symptoms without a clear cause or are being evaluated in an urgent care or emergency setting.

As a part of the screening test, the renal panel or other tests of kidney health are most often recommended if you have certain risk factors for kidney disease. Sometimes, these risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, and a family history of kidney disease. 

For people with an increased risk of kidney problems, screening with a kidney panel may be part of their normal health checkups. Screening of this type is not the standard for people who do not have any risk factors.

The kidney (renal) profiles can be used as a monitoring test if you have had any kidney-related problems in the past or have already had an abnormal renal panel test. If you are receiving any treatment for kidney injury or disease, a renal panel might be used to gauge your response to that treatment.

If you are undergoing any medical procedure or taking any drugs that can modify kidney function, the doctor may prescribe a kidney (renal) panel before and/or after to monitor for any possible kidney-related side effects.

What is the type of sample required for a kidney function test (KFT)? 

KFT test requires a blood sample.

What other tests might I have along with the KFT test?

Ultrasound scan of the abdomen, CT Scan, Kidney Biopsy, Urine Culture Test.

What should I expect during my KFT blood test?

You can expect to experience the following during the blood test or a blood draw:

1. You will have to sit comfortably on the chair, and a healthcare provider will check your arms for an easily accessible vein. It is the inner part of your arm on the other side of your elbow.
2. Once they have located a vein, they will clean and disinfect the area with an alcohol swab.
3. Then they will insert a small needle into your vein to draw a blood sample. This might feel like a small pinch.
4. After they insert the needle, the required amount of blood will be collected in a test tube.
5. When they have collected enough blood for the test, they’ll remove the needle and hold a cotton ball or gauze on the site to stop any bleeding.
6. They will put a band-aid over the pricked site, and the blood collection is finished.

This process takes less than five minutes.

What should I expect after my kidney function test?

Once the healthcare provider has collected the blood sample, it will be sent to the laboratory for processing or testing. When the test reports are ready, your healthcare provider will share the results with you.

Are preparations needed for the kidney function test (KFT)?

Fasting is not required for a kidney function test, and there is no preparation required for the KFT test.

What is the risk of the kidney function test?

These blood tests are very common and don’t carry any significant risks. You may have a slight pain like an ant bite when the needle gets inserted, and a small bruise may develop there.

Limitations of the KFT blood test:

While the kidney function test is highly accurate and provides a comprehensive result of various parameters, there are certain factors that can impact the accuracy of the results. For instance, medications, pregnancy, lifestyle habits, age, and other important factors tend to alter the measurements of the thyroid function test. Any inaccuracy in the readings can lead to issues in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient. Hence, it is essential to know about these limitations of the KFT test and consult your doctor before the test. 

When can I expect my kidney function test results?

These reports are available via email or WhatsApp within 6 hours of the collection of the blood sample.

KFT test normal values range: Values range for KFT test result

Mentioned below is the KFT test normal range. Any value above or below the normal range can be an indicator of different kidney problems and must be discussed with the physician. 

1. The normal range of Blood Urea Nitrogen is between 7 - 20 mg/dL
2. The normal range of Blood Urea is between 10 - 50 mg/dL
3. The normal range of Creatinine is between for Males: 0.6-1.2, and Female is between 0.5-1.1 mg/dL
4. The normal range of Calcium is between 8.5-10.5 mg/dL
5. The normal range of Phosphorus is between 2.40–4.40 mg/dL
6. The normal range of Uric Acid is between 3.4-7.0 mg/dL
7. The normal range of Sodium is between 135-148 mmol/L
8. The normal range of Potassium is between 3.5-5.0 mmol/L
9. The normal range of Chloride is between 98-106 mmol/L

What do the results of a kidney function test mean?

The test results from a kidney (renal) panel will show the separate line items for each component of the tests. Every line item will show the measurement in the sample as well as the reference range for the laboratory where they did the testing.

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For various components of the test, there is no consensus range to define what is normal or abnormal. Instead, each lab has set the range for its own test based on its analytic methodologies and experience. Accordingly, the interpretation of the test results must be done in relation to the laboratory ranges given on your test report.

The exact test components of the kidney (renal) panel may vary, so you may not see all of these line items on your test. You may also see other measurements that were included by the laboratory or that were recommended by your doctor. For each component, though, you must see the laboratory’s reference range clearly displayed.

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The interpretation of the tests is always done within the context of a particular situation. This means considering your previous health history, current health and symptoms, and the test results of any other medical tests you have taken.

The abnormal test results may be an indication of a health-related problem or an issue affecting the kidneys. However, doctors will rarely rely on one single test result alone. Instead, they might look for other patterns in which measurements are abnormal and how high or low those values are compared to the reference range.

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It is very important to take these diverse factors into account in order to understand the clinical significance of your kidney (renal) panel test. For that reason, the test results should always be reviewed with your doctor, who can best explain what the test shows and what it means for your health and wellness.

What is the cost of a kidney function test (KFT)?

Who performs a kidney function test (KFT)?

A healthcare provider, who is also called a phlebotomist, usually performs blood draws, including those for kidney function tests, but any healthcare provider trained in drawing blood can perform this task. The samples are sent to a lab where a medical laboratory scientist prepares the samples and performs the tests on analyzers or manually.

Why choose Orange Health?

Choosing Orange Health as your at-home blood testing service provider will be an extremely beneficial idea for you and your loved ones. Now you can book an appointment and our professional eMedics will be there at your doorstep within 60 minutes. We have the highest turnaround times for Kidney Function Test results wherein you will get your reports within 6 hours. We believe in providing access to efficient healthcare for our patients and hence are always connected to doctors and physicians in case help is needed.

How do I book a kidney function test at home?

Submit your details and book a kidney function test with Orange Health. Our highly trained, professional, and vaccinated eMedics will be at your doorstep within 60 minutes or at the time booked by you.