What is a Kidney Function Test with Electrolytes?
The Kidney Function test (KFT) assesses kidney health and function by checking how well your kidneys can clear waste from the body. It is a simple test that screens your blood for a range of parameters which helps in diagnosing kidney diseases, determining the progression of kidney disease, and monitoring the response of kidneys to medications given.
Kidneys play a vital role in the removal of toxins and waste products from the body and in regulating the fluid and mineral (electrolyte) balance in the body. Kidneys also help produce vitamin D and hormones like erythropoietin (needed to make red blood cells) and renin (which helps in regulating blood pressure). Because of these critical functions, a healthy kidney is essential for your overall well-being. Since the early stages of kidney disease may not show any symptoms, KFTs are vital for everyone. They help in the early detection and management of potential kidney issues. Especially for individuals with high-risk conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease or a family history of kidney disease, regular Kidney Function testing is crucial. If you are looking for a KFT test , We can provide KFT test at the convenience of your home.The Kidney Function test at home offers a comprehensive assessment of the kidneys along with electrolytes. Here is an overview of the test parameters included in KFT:
Urea is a nitrogen-containing substance primarily produced by protein metabolism in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. The parameter is used to estimate kidney function. An increase in urea levels in the blood indicates that the kidneys are not able to eliminate it adequately, suggesting kidney damage or failure or other causes such as a high protein diet.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a urea nitrogen produced after protein breakdown in the blood. BUN also gets excreted via the kidneys. The BUN levels may rise in the blood due to kidney diseases.
Creatinine is another substance that is produced during muscle metabolism and is cleared by the kidneys. An increase in creatinine levels in the blood may suggest decreased creatinine excretion by the kidneys, which again indicates that the kidneys are not functioning well or other factors like high protein diet or high muscle bulk.
Uric acid is a waste product formed by the natural breakdown of purines in the body. It passes through the kidneys and gets excreted in urine. A high uric acid level is observed in gout, damage to kidney tubes, certain cancers, or with a diet high in animal products or high alcohol intake. Uric acid levels drop in chronic kidney disease.
eGFR refers to the filtration rate of kidneys and creatinine is used in the equation used for determining eGFR. This parameter estimates the clearance of substances from the blood. It is the most reliable indicator of kidney function and is used to diagnose kidney diseases.
The BUN/creatinine ratio is a valuable marker in diagnosing disorders of the kidney and catabolism (a part of metabolism). It is usually elevated in kidney diseases and other conditions such as critical illnesses or upper GI bleeding.
The KFT also involves an electrolyte panel. Assessment of electrolytes is particularly important because the kidneys are responsible for regulating their levels in the blood. The tests are dedicated to measuring the levels of various minerals in the blood sample to detect the body’s mineral balance and potential kidney, lung, or heart-related issues. A KFT measures electrolytes such as Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Phosphorus.
Before getting a KFT test at home, it’s essential to be adequately prepared to ensure accurate results. Things to consider before a KFT test are given below:
Prerequisites: KFT does not require any special preparations, however, you may need to follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider. For conducting KFT with electrolytes, you may be asked to drink plenty of fluids before the test and refrain from using nicotine. The best time to get tested: There is no fasting required for the test so it can be taken conveniently at any time during the day. Eligibility for Kidney Function Test: Kidney Function tests are generally recommended for individuals with symptoms of kidney disease, those with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, and people with a family history of kidney issues. Cautions Before Taking Kidney Function Test: Before getting a KFT test, you must inform your healthcare provider about medicines or any antibiotics that you may be taking. You may be asked to stop taking those medicines if they affect the test results.KFTs are crucial for evaluating the health and functioning of kidneys. Getting a KFT test may be important for several reasons including the following:
A KFT may be ordered for symptoms such as blood in urine, difficulty in urinating, pain during urination, and frequent urination that may suggest kidney disease. These tests can identify the presence of kidney disease early, allowing for timely intervention. 1
Certain health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension) can impair kidney function. KFT tests become particularly important for regular monitoring in such conditions. The tests allow us to track the impact of these conditions on kidneys as well as manage the treatment.
KFT, often paired with electrolyte panels, is crucial for evaluating kidney health and ensuring the balance of essential minerals such as calcium, sodium, potassium, etc in your body.
KFT can also help in tracking the kidney’s response to treatments for various conditions.
KFT tests are useful in determining the progression of kidney disease over time.
Listed below are the steps to book any blood test or health checkup on our platform
Search for the Test: Look for the KFT test in our location or at home and click on Test listing.
Review and Book: Select the test, check the test prerequisites, enter your address, and confirm the booking after picking a suitable time slot for sample collection.
Sample Collection: Our skilled eMedic will arrive within your chosen time slot to collect the sample at your home.
Lab Processing: The collected sample will be sent to and examined at our NABL accredited and ICMR approved labs.
Receive Results: You will receive your reports via email or WhatsApp within 6. They will also be available on our app.
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