What is a Kidney Function Test?
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.
Importance of KFT Test (Kidney Function Test)
Because your kidneys remove waste, toxins, and extra fluid from the blood, The blood tests will show how well your kidneys are doing their job and how quickly the waste is being removed. Here are a few blood tests that are used
Purpose of Kidney Function Test
Kidney function tests measure how efficiently your kidneys are working. Most of these tests check how well your kidneys clear waste from your system
Preparation for KFT test
- A KFT test does not require fasting or any preparation
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and fluids in the days leading up to the test.
- Avoid certain medications. Some medications can affect kidney function
- Fast if necessary: If your doctor has ordered a blood test to measure creatinine, you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the test.
Understanding Kidney function Test Parameters
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN). This test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. Urea nitrogen is a waste product your body makes from the breakdown of protein in the foods you eat. Healthy kidneys filter urea nitrogen out of your blood and it leaves your body through your urine.
Serum creatinine. A serum creatinine blood test measures the amount of creatinine in your blood. If your kidneys are not working like they should, your serum creatinine level goes up.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The GFR is a measure of how well your kidneys remove waste, toxins, and extra fluid from your blood. Your serum creatinine level, age, and sex are used to calculate your GFR number. Like other kidney tests, a normal GFR number for you will depend on your age and sex. If your GFR is low, your kidneys are likely not working as they should. As kidney disease progresses, your GFR goes down
Uric Acid: – This test measures the amount of uric acid in a sample of your blood or urine (pee). Uric acid is a normal waste product that your body makes when it breaks down chemicals called purines.
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.
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.
Chloride: Chloride is an electrolyte that works in conjunction with other electrolytes to carry out several functions, including preserving a healthy balance of fluids.
