KFT Test Explained: Kidney Function Test Parameters You Should Know

Kidney function test is done to determine the condition of the kidneys. If they stop functioning as they should, your blood waste will remain in it. Sometimes, a KFT blood test may be incomplete without a urine test. The results often arrive on the same day or may take two days, except on holidays.

More About KFT Test

As already mentioned, a KFT profile test is done through blood or urine samples. The major function of the kidneys is to maintain an optimum balance between electrolytes and body fluids. It also ensures that waste is removed from the blood. Your kidney health also checks whether your glomeruli are functioning properly. Glomeruli act like small filters in the kidney to get rid of blood waste.

A common reaction: People feel anxious while doing this test as the sight of blood being withdrawn and peeing into a sample box may bring that weird feeling you never wanted. This test is also popular as a renal function test.

Role of Kidneys

Kidneys hold an important role in the urinary system. They are located below your ribcage and in the back of the abdomen on both sides. The body waste is removed through urine.

Kidneys are responsible for these functions:

• Producing blood pressure regulating hormones
• Producing erythropoietin, which in turn produces RBC. These red blood cells are greatly responsible for carrying oxygen in the body.
• Producing the most important vitamin D which is known for building muscle and bone health.

Know Why One Should Go For Kidney Function Test

People suffering from hypertension or diabetes are under regular stress to know how their kidneys are functioning, as people suffering from these two diseases' kidneys seem to be affected the most. A KFT test helps in monitoring kidney health. People who complain about some kidney symptoms may also be asked to visit for this test. Some common symptoms people might experience are as follows:

• Oliguria is a condition where a patient urinates less than the regular quantity
• Random desire to urinate
• Hematuria, where blood appears in the urine
• Foamy urine
• Dysuria is when a person experiences intolerable pain or a burning sensation while urinating
• Fatigueness
• Weight loss
• Problems while urinating
• Edema or sudden body swelling
• Not feeling like eating
• Vomitting
• Frequent nausea

Types of Kidney Tests Involved in a KFT Test

Your doctor may ask you to do one or all of the tests related to the kidneys. If you have been asked to do a blood test under the KFT test, then it may include the following:

• BUN: It means blood urea nitrogen and measures the quantity of nitrogen present in the blood. When this nitrogen breaks, it directly forms protein.
• eGFR: Estimated GFR tests check for the filtration rates depending upon the gender, weight, height, protein levels, and age.
• Serum Creatinine: To check the creatinine buildup, this test is done. Whenever muscle tissue breaks down, it gets into the process of producing waste creatinine.

When a urine test is recommended, it includes the following:

• Urinalysis: In this test, your urine is analyzed carefully to check the levels of protein, crystals, casts, urine acidity and particular gravity.
• Microalbuminuria: This particular test checks for the albumin level.

Special Precautions Before Doing A Kidney Function Test

Precautions are not rigid before this test and may vary from patient to patient, but if you are solely doing this test, then your doctor might ask you to stay on a fast before the test. If you have any needle phobia, then let the lab person know about it beforehand so that they can take care of it.

Before going for a urine test, just remember to drink sufficient water so that you can pass the necessary urine. Do not do the KFT test if you are in your menstrual cycle, as the results may not be accurate.

Things to Remember While Doing A Kidney Urine Test

To do the 24 hour urine test at your home, you will get a container for urine collection. You need to do these things when you are doing the test:

• Do your first toilet in the washroom as usual
• All the remaining urine sessions should be in the urine container
• The next day, put your first urine sample in the container and give this sample to the laboratory.

How is A Kidney Blood Test Done?

A blood sample collector, either in the laboratory or at your home, collects your blood sample from your arm vein. This blood sample is sent for testing.

Common Experience After One Do Kidney Function Test: This test is simple, but in some special cases, people may complain that they are feeling tired, dizzy, and have bruises.

Read Your KFT Test Report

KFT test reports speak about the condition of your health. Generally, these tests focus on uACR and eGFR results.

eGFR- Measuring Kidney Health: The measurement of estimated Glomerular Filtration rate happens in millilitres of cleansed blood. This calculation is done on a per minute basis per body surface. Discussing the normal eGFR level in adults should not be lower than 60 or higher than 100. For those whose reports read 100 for eGRF, it means the kidney is now functioning well, but is in the danger zone. People having this level below 60 are having serious kidney disease. The eGFR level is not the same for all age groups and decreases with age.

Let us understand it in detail:

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Various Age Groups

• From 20 to 29 years, the maximum eGFR level is 116
• For 30 to 39 years, the maximum eFGR level is 107
• For 40 to 49 years, the maximum eFGR level is 99
• For 50 to 59 years, the maximum eFGR level is 93
• For 60 to 69 years, the maximum eFGR level is 8those 5
• For 70 and above 75 years, the maximum eFGR level is 75

Urine Albumin Creatinine Ratio- A Detailed Story

The amount of creatinine and albumin is measured through this ratio. The expert monitors the albumin and creatinine levels in urine. The ratio of both is taken in milligrams to grams, and a healthy body should often have less than 30 mg/g of uACR. If it crosses 300 mg/g or even higher, it is a sign that the kidneys might fail at any point. In such a situation, a heart attack might happen too.

Kidney Function Test Results

This test result delivery may vary from one lab to another. Some may give it in a day, and some may take two days.

If your kidney test results are below or high, it may signal towards kidney disease, and you should consult your doctor immediately. If the KFT normal range is not meant for a long time, it may be a sign of early kidney disease. Follow the suggested medications and do regular KFT.

Kidney- Two Bean Shaped Structures, But Highly Important

If your kidney tests are not stable, you might be asked to do them frequently. This is done so that your kidney health can be monitored properly.

Health can be a blessing if you know the right way to preserve it. Remember, this path crosses through your kidneys.