KFT (Kidney Function Test)

Also known as RFT (Renal Function Test)

KFT (Kidney Function Test) Includes 3 testsView All

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Understanding KFT (Kidney Function Test)

What is KFT (Kidney Function Test)?

A KFT (Kidney Function Test) evaluates how well your kidneys are functioning, diagnoses any kidney disease or damage, and monitors the treatment response of any renal condition. KFT may be done if you experience symptoms such as frequent urination, bloody urine, muscle cramps, or sharp pain in your groin. This test is also done as part of routine health checkups.

The kidneys play a vital role in removing waste, toxins, and extra water from the body. They are responsible for maintaining a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals such as calcium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. They are also essential for controlling blood pressure and the body’s pH balance, making hormones for red blood cell production, and promoting bone health. Hence, keeping your kidneys healthy is essential for maintaining overall health.

A KFT (Kidney Function Test) helps with the early detection of kidney problems, such as kidney stones, kidney failure, or kidney infections. This early detection allows your doctor to plan the treatment timely and prevent any future complications. KFT also helps in monitoring any known kidney problems, tracking the recovery process if you are already getting treated for the same, and determining if you need dose adjustments of certain medicines that you might be taking for other diseases. Your doctor may also advise this test if you have risk factors for any kidney condition, such as obesity, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, or a family history of kidney disease.

Usually, no special preparation is required for this test. You may eat and drink as per your daily routine. Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your kidney health, and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What is KFT (Kidney Function Test) used for?

A KFT (Kidney Function Test) is done:

As part of routine health checkups.
To help detect any disease affecting the kidneys.
To screen for kidney disease if you have risk factors, like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
To monitor the treatment response of kidney diseases.
To monitor for the side effects of medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen), antibiotics (vancomycin), ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, enalapril), and diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).

What does KFT (Kidney Function Test) measure?

Contains 3 tests

A KFT (Kidney Function Test) comprises a series of blood tests that collectively determine the health of your kidneys. KFT evaluates the value of parameters such as creatinine, urea, and uric acid to diagnose inflammation, infection, or damage and detect disease in the kidneys. In addition, people with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and a family history of kidney disease also need to undergo a renal function test regularly to check for any kidney damage.

Interpreting KFT (Kidney Function Test) results

Interpretations

These are simple blood tests that can identify some problems with your kidneys.

Abnormal or raised levels than normal may indicate some kidney defect. Abnormal KFT may also indicate that your underlying conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, are affecting the kidney.

Note that sometimes, increased levels of the KFT parameters may not necessarily be due to health disorders. For example, increased creatinine levels can occur due to heavy exercise, consumption of cooked meat, or taking protein supplements. Thus, these parameters are also considered while interpreting the tests. Further tests are performed to confirm any health disorders.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about KFT (Kidney Function Test)

Frequently Asked Questions about KFT (Kidney Function Test)

Q. What is a kidney function test?

A kidney function test (KFT) is a diagnostic test to check how efficiently your kidneys are working.

Q. Is fasting required for a KFT?

No, you do not need to fast before a KFT. You can eat and drink according to your daily routine.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the KFT?

KFT is a simple blood test with no potential health risk. However, you can feel slight pain or bruise at the site of the needle prick.

Q. What are the common signs and symptoms of kidney problems?

Urinating more or less, back pain, belly pain, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, fatigue, and weakness are some of the common signs and symptoms of kidney problems.

Q. What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

The symptoms of kidney stones include severe, sharp pain in the sides of the stomach and back, below the ribs, pain that radiates to the lower belly or back of your stomach, and pain or burning sensation while urinating.

Q. How can I prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Drinking plenty of fluids; practicing safer sexual hygiene; getting more vitamin C by consuming foods such as oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, and broccoli; and taking probiotics after consulting your doctor are some of the ways to help prevent a UTI.

Q. How can I improve my kidney health?

Adopting healthy eating habits, maintaining an active lifestyle, limiting alcohol intake, and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated can help improve your kidney health.

Q. What are the best food choices for healthy kidneys?

You can add dark green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, apples, onions, bell pepper, radish, and lemon juice to your diet to keep your kidneys healthy. However, if you are on a restricted diet, please consult your dietitian to get a diet chart that may be appropriate for you.

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