Last Updated on July 28, 2022 by Dr. Neeraj Gujar
Table of Contents
Overview
The Renal Function Test is also known as Kidney Function Test (KFT), RFT, Kidney Panel, or Kidney Profile.
A renal function test can be done by blood or urine test to assess how your kidneys work. These tests usually measure the glomerular filter rate (GFR). GFR is a measure of how efficiently your kidneys remove waste from your body.
What does your kidney do?
Your urinary systems include your kidneys. These kidneys are located in your abdomen, just below your ribcage. They filter out waste materials from your body and expel them as urine. They are vital in producing urine. They also help in producing:
- Hormones to maintain blood pressure.
- Red blood cells are oxygen-carrying red blood cells.
- Vitamin D is important for bone and muscle health.
Also Read: What’s the Purpose of Liver Function Test? What Diseases Does It Detect?
Why Test Is Done?
Some conditions, like diabetes and hypertension, can affect the ability of your kidneys to function properly. Your healthcare provider may perform kidney function tests to monitor you if you have any of these conditions.
If you experience symptoms that could indicate kidney problems, you may need to have your kidney function tested. You might experience the following symptoms:
- Blood in your urine (Hematuria)
- Dysuria (painful urination)
- Urinary urges
- Problems with peeing
What types of tests are available for renal function?
One or more types of renal function testing may be ordered by your healthcare provider. Blood tests may be ordered to check your kidney function.
- Measures BUN (blood urea nitrogen) that is made from protein broken down in your blood.
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) calculates filtration rates using your protein levels, age, and gender.
- Serum creatinine helps to determine if creatinine has been accumulated, which is a byproduct of muscle tissue destruction.
You may also be asked by your healthcare provider to perform 24-hour urine tests. These include:
- Microalbuminuria looks at a particular protein called albumin.
- Urinalysis to evaluate your urine for blood, protein, and function.
How To Get Tested?
To have a kidney blood test performed, you can either visit a laboratory or book a home visit and give a sample of your blood. To collect blood samples, a technician will use a small needle with a test tube.
For a home urine test, you can opt for urine test sample collection for your convenience. Your provider will provide you with a container for collecting urine.
Also Read: Uric Acid Test: A Comprehensive Guide To Your Serum Urate Test Results
After The Test
The kidney function tests are usually simple and do not cause side effects. Some people experience the following symptoms after blood tests:
- Bruising
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Long-term pain and complications are rarely caused by blood tests or urine tests. If you experience pain, fatigue, or any other symptoms, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Test Results
The results of a kidney function test can help you determine if your kidneys are working normally or not. Two measurements are required for most function tests.
- GFR less than 60 could indicate renal disease.
- Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) of more than 30 milligrams per gram could be a warning sign of kidney disease.
What happens if I have early-stage kidney disease?
Your healthcare provider will discuss treatment options with you if a test result is not as expected. You might be prescribed medication to lower blood pressure. You may also consult a nephrologist, a specialist in kidney disease.
Your provider may order more frequent tests of your kidney function if your results are unusual. Your provider will conduct regular testing to monitor your health and identify any other conditions.
Final Takeaway
A renal function test helps to check the health and efficiency of your kidneys. Healthy kidneys help eliminate waste from the body. High blood pressure and diabetes can cause kidney problems. A kidney function test or an RFT test may be required to rule out infection. A kidney function test can be done by blood or urine testing. Your provider will usually give you results within 24 hours or less.
Sources
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Chronic Kidney Disease Tests & Diagnosis.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/tests-diagnosis - National Kidney Foundation. Tests to Measure Kidney Function, Damage and Detect Abnormalities.
https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneytests
Urology Care Foundation. What is a Urinalysis?
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/u/urinalysis
