A kidney function test, involving the analysis of both blood and urine samples, evaluates the functioning of your kidneys. Additionally, this test might be necessary to rule out or diagnose the presence of an infection.
Your kidneys, situated in the posterior part of your abdomen just beneath the rib cage, play a crucial role in your urinary system. They facilitate the filtration of waste materials from your body, expelling them as urine. Additionally, kidneys are integral for hormone production, regulating blood pressure, generating red blood cells to transport oxygen, and synthesising vitamin D for bone and muscle health maintenance. Given their vital functions, ensuring optimal kidney function is paramount. This is where a kidney function test (KFT), also known as a renal function test (RFT), becomes crucial. This diagnostic examination assesses the efficiency of your kidneys. So, read on to learn more about KFT, its significance and KFT test price.
What Does a Kidney Function Test Involve?
A kidney function test typically encompasses various evaluations of both blood and urine samples, which may include:
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Urea nitrogen is a byproduct found in the bloodstream resulting from the breakdown of protein consumed in your diet. Kidneys filter it out from the body. This examination evaluates the nitrogen levels originating from protein breakdown in your blood, providing insights into your kidney function.
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): This calculation provides an estimate of your kidneys’ efficiency in clearing waste substances from your bloodstream. It factors in various elements like protein levels, gender, body size, age, and race to determine filtration rates.
- Serum Creatinine: Creatinine, a byproduct originating from protein metabolism and the natural breakdown of muscle tissue, is expelled from your body via the kidneys. This assessment scrutinises your blood for heightened levels of creatinine, indicative of potential acute kidney injury and/or chronic kidney disease.
- Urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR): This test gauges the levels of two distinct substances in your urine – albumin (a protein) and creatinine. Normally, healthy kidneys retain albumin in the blood while eliminating creatinine through urine. Thus, urine should contain minimal to no albumin. The uACR is determined by dividing the quantity of urine albumin by urine creatinine, yielding a ratio for assessment.
- Urinalysis: This straightforward examination assesses a small urine sample for various indicators. Initially, a visual inspection examines characteristics such as colour and clarity. Subsequently, a dipstick, treated with specific chemicals, is immersed in the urine, signalling any abnormalities through colour changes, such as elevated levels of acid, bacteria, albumin (protein), pus, blood, or sugar. Finally, the sample may undergo microscopic scrutiny for a more detailed analysis, although this step is not always necessary.
A comprehensive kidney function test includes all of these measurements and more. The KFT test price may vary based on the diagnostic lab you go to. At Apollo 24|7, the RFT test price is just ₹900.
When is a Kidney Function Test Done?
Certain conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes, can impact kidney function. If you have either of these conditions, then your healthcare provider may utilise kidney function tests to monitor their effects on your kidneys. Additionally, you may require a kidney function test if you exhibit symptoms suggestive of potential kidney issues. These symptoms may include:
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Presence of blood in your urine (hematuria)
- Difficulty initiating urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
What Do the Results of a Kidney Function Test Mean?
Results from kidney function tests can indicate whether your kidneys are operating normally or if there are any abnormalities. These tests typically focus on two main measurements:
- Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): A GFR value below 60 may suggest a kidney disease.
- Urine Albumin-to-creatinine Ratio: A uACR exceeding 30 milligrams per gram could serve as an indication of kidney disease.
In case of abnormal test results, your healthcare provider will discuss treatment options with you. This may involve medication to control blood pressure or a referral to a nephrologist, a specialist in kidney health. If your test results are unusual, then your healthcare provider may schedule more frequent kidney function tests going forward. Regular testing allows him/her to monitor your health and any potential underlying conditions closely.
