Several conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, may cause the kidneys to stop functioning normally. It is important to visit the doctor if the patient experiences any signs of kidney damage, such as blood in the urine, painful urination, etc. Once the doctor identifies the signs and symptoms of kidney damage, they might order one or more KFT blood tests, which can include:

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - This test measures the nitrogen levels in your blood.
• Estimated GFR (eGFR) - This calculates the glomerular filtration rate based on factors like protein levels, age, gender, size, and race.
• Serum Creatinine - This examines creatinine buildup, which occurs due to muscle tissue breakdown.

In addition to the mentioned tests, a KFT test may also include:

• Urinalysis - This test evaluates urine for protein, blood, and kidney function.
• Microalbuminuria - This test detects a specific protein called albumin.

What is a KFT test?

Kidney Function Tests (KFT), also known as Renal Function Tests (RFT) measure how efficiently the kidneys work and how effectively they eliminate waste from the system, including the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). These tests may include a blood test, a 24-hour urine sample, or sometimes both.

Doctors typically recommend KFT blood tests to patients suffering from diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure) because these conditions can damage or affect the normal functioning of the kidneys. Therefore, the kidney function test helps monitor these conditions. Sometimes, a KFT test is also recommended if the patient is experiencing any of the following conditions:

• Hematuria (Blood in the urine)
• Dysuria (Painful Urination)
• Frequent urge to urinate

Symptoms of Kidney diseases

Kidney dysfunction, or kidney disease, can present with a variety of symptoms. In the early phases, there might be no apparent indications. Yet, as kidney function declines, people may experience the following symptoms:

• Fatigue and Weakness: The kidneys' reduced ability to filter waste from the blood can result in the accumulation of toxins, leading to feelings of fatigue and weakness.
• Edema: Diminished kidney function may contribute to fluid retention, causing swelling in various parts of the body such as the legs, ankles, feet, face, or hands.
• Respiratory Distress: Excessive bodily fluid retention can induce shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
• Altered Urination: Kidney disease can bring about changes in urine patterns, including increased or decreased frequency, dark or foamy urine, and discomfort or pain during urination.
• Blood Pressure Fluctuations: Poor kidney function can lead to elevated or worsening hypertension.
• Nausea and Vomiting: The buildup of waste products in the body can trigger nausea and vomiting.
• Reduced Appetite: Kidney disease may lead to a decreased appetite and unintended weight loss.
• Skin Issues: Kidney disease can result in dry, itchy skin, elevating the susceptibility to skin infections.
• Cognitive Dysfunction: In advanced stages, kidney disease can cause cognitive impairment, confusion, and difficulties in concentration.

When should I get this KFT test?

The kidneys' primary function is to ensure that all toxic waste is properly drained from the body. Therefore, a KFT or Kidney Function Test is usually performed to evaluate whether the patient's kidneys are working efficiently and effectively.

Uses of KFT Test

Kidneys are mainly damaged due to two reasons, as discussed earlier: diabetes and hypertension. Therefore, if a patient has either or both of these conditions, the doctor might order a KFT to monitor the condition of the kidneys. The symptoms of kidney damage include:

• Painful urination
• Blood in the urine
• High blood pressure
• Swelling in the hands and feet due to fluid buildup

Additionally, if someone has certain lifestyle habits, doctors may recommend kidney function tests if they have:

• Kidney-related health concerns
• Heavy smoking habits
• An age above 60
• A family history of kidney disease

What are the types of kidney function tests?

The medical professionals might request various kidney function tests, including blood tests such as:

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) – measures the nitrogen levels derived from protein breakdown in your blood.
• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) – calculates filtration rates based on factors like protein levels, age, gender, size, and race.
• Serum Creatinine – detects the accumulation of creatinine, a byproduct of muscle tissue breakdown.

Additionally, 24-hour urine tests may be provided, which include:

• Microalbuminuria – identifies the presence of a specific protein called albumin.
• Urinalysis – assesses your urine for indications of blood, proteins, and overall kidney function.

What are the benefits of this test?

• The kidney function test is useful for screening urine to detect the presence of blood and protein.
• KFT helps to assess the accumulation of creatinine in the bloodstream, as elevated levels may indicate kidney problems.
• It aids doctors in diagnosing factors associated with unexplained high blood pressure.
• The test assists in examining the underlying causes of obesity.
• It helps mitigate the risks of kidney damage linked to advanced age, cigarette smoking, and other factors.

How to Prepare for KFT Tests?

There is typically no specific preparation required for the KFT blood test. For a creatinine urine test, you may need to collect urine for 24 hours in a container provided by the clinic. For blood tests, you only need to visit the clinic or hospital where the blood will be drawn.

Procedure for KFT test

A KFT test includes two major tests - a urine test and a blood test. For the urine test, the doctor provides the patient with a container to collect urine. The doctor advises the patient to urinate as usual early in the morning on the first day. Throughout the entire day, the patient must urinate into the container, and on the following day, they should again urinate into the container early in the morning. Subsequently, the patient is required to drop off the container at the doctor’s clinic for further evaluation.

During a kidney blood test, the patient needs to visit the doctor’s clinic or a laboratory to provide a blood sample. The healthcare provider will use a small syringe with a needle to draw blood and collect it in a tube for evaluation.

These tests usually do not have any side effects. However, some individuals might experience bruising, fatigue, or dizziness. Blood tests typically do not lead to any long-term complications, but if they do, it is advisable to contact the healthcare provider for symptoms that do not resolve.

KFT Test Result

KFT test results usually become available within a few days, but in most cases, they are available on the same day. These tests assess kidney function and provide the following readings:

If the test results are abnormal, your doctor will follow up with the patient and provide a treatment plan aimed at reducing diabetes and high blood pressure. You may also need to consult a nephrologist. Additionally, periodic testing may be necessary to monitor kidney damage over time.

Conclusion

Kidney damage can be disastrous and might lead to the shutting down of organ function eventually. Thus, it is important to get a KFT blood test done and see an experienced doctor for better care. At CARE Hospitals, we ensure our patients are well looked after. Additionally, our doctors, with years of experience, ensure that the patient's high blood pressure and diabetes (whatever is causing kidney damage) are under control. If the kidney is extremely damaged, our nephrologist suggests necessary steps to keep the condition under control.

FAQs

Q1. What is the normal KFT level?

Ans. For men, a normal KFT level is between 0.74 to 1.35 mg/dL. On the other hand, for women, the KFT normal value ranges between 0.59 to 1.04 mg/dL.

Q2. What is the test for LFT and KFT?

Ans. LFT is done for liver function, whereas KFT is done for kidney function tests. LFT evaluates the levels of enzymes, bilirubin, and proteins produced by the liver, and KFT evaluates the health of the kidney.

Q3. Are kidney function tests risky?

Ans. KFT tests are quite common and usually do not have any significant risk factors. However, at the time of testing, you might feel a little discomfort, which is temporary.

Q4. Is fasting required for a KFT?

Ans. No, you do not have to fast before a KFT test. You can eat and drink as usual. Also, it does not require any specific preparation.