Kidney Function Test
KFT
Dr. Lal PathLabs
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Category
Kidney
Sample
Blood and Urine
Report Time
Same Day
Fasting
Not needed
About Kidney Function Test
The Kidney Function Test, also called a Renal Function Test (RFT), is a panel of blood measurements — typically including creatinine, blood urea, uric acid, and electrolytes — that together assess how efficiently your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood.
Your kidneys perform the essential job of removing metabolic waste, balancing fluids and electrolytes, and regulating blood pressure, so even a modest decline in kidney function can have wide-reaching effects throughout the body.
Because kidney disease often develops silently over years without obvious symptoms, this panel is a key screening tool for people with risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
The results are also frequently combined with a calculated eGFR value, which converts your creatinine level into an estimate of your kidney's actual filtering capacity.
What a kidney function test includes
KFT (also called RFT, renal function test) usually includes serum creatinine, blood urea / BUN, uric acid, and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride, and often calcium, phosphorus and the estimated GFR (eGFR). Creatinine is a muscle waste product cleared by the kidneys, so a high level means the filters are not working well. eGFR converts creatinine, age and sex into an estimate of how many millilitres of blood the kidneys filter per minute.
Understanding eGFR and kidney stages
eGFR is used to stage chronic kidney disease (CKD): above 90 is normal if there is no other kidney damage, 60–89 mildly reduced, 30–59 moderately reduced, 15–29 severely reduced, and below 15 kidney failure. A low eGFR for three months or more, or signs of kidney damage such as protein in the urine, defines CKD. Early CKD usually has no symptoms, so testing in at-risk people is vital.
Who is at risk of kidney disease
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes in India. Others are recurrent kidney stones, long-term painkiller (NSAID) use, family history, obesity, and some herbal products. People with these risks should have KFT and a urine albumin test at least yearly.
What can temporarily affect results
Dehydration, a very high-protein meal, intense exercise, creatine supplements and some medicines can raise creatinine or urea without permanent kidney damage. If a result is abnormal, doctors often repeat it after rehydration and rest.
Protecting your kidneys
- Keep blood sugar and blood pressure well controlled.
- Drink enough water, but do not overdrink.
- Avoid regular, unsupervised painkillers such as diclofenac and ibuprofen.
- Limit salt, and do not take unprescribed herbal or body-building supplements.
- Do not smoke; stay active and keep weight healthy.
Booking a KFT
KFT is routine and widely available, alone or in health packages. Prices vary by lab and city; compare on LabDekho, with home collection if needed. Follow the lab's fasting advice, which is often 8–12 hours when combined with sugar tests.
When Should You Get This Test?
This test is recommended if you have:
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes
- High blood pressure or diabetes, both major risk factors for kidney disease
- Reduced, foamy, or unusually colored urine output
- Persistent fatigue or nausea without another clear cause
- A family history of kidney disease
- Before starting medications that can affect kidney function
Conditions This Test Can Detect
KFT results are used to monitor or detect:
- Chronic kidney disease at various stages
- Acute kidney injury, often from dehydration, infection, or medication
- Diabetic nephropathy, kidney damage caused by long-term diabetes
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte imbalances linked to kidney dysfunction
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How to Prepare
- Fasting for 8–10 hours may be requested, particularly if the test is combined with a glucose or lipid panel.
- Stay adequately hydrated the day before your test unless your doctor advises otherwise, since dehydration can temporarily affect creatinine and urea levels.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before testing, as intense activity can transiently raise creatinine.
- Inform your doctor of all current medications, since several common drugs can influence kidney test results.
Normal Reference Ranges
| Parameter | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Serum Creatinine | 0.6–1.3 mg/dL |
| Blood Urea | 7–20 mg/dL |
| Uric Acid | 3.5–7.2 mg/dL |
| eGFR | ≥ 90 mL/min/1.73m² |
A rising creatinine or falling eGFR over successive tests is generally more clinically significant than a single borderline reading, since it reflects a genuine trend in kidney function rather than day-to-day variation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is fasting mandatory for a kidney function test?
It's often recommended, particularly when combined with fasting glucose or lipid tests, but confirm the specific requirement with your doctor or the lab beforehand.
What does a high creatinine level mean?
Elevated creatinine usually indicates reduced kidney filtering capacity, though it can also rise temporarily from dehydration, a high-protein meal, or intense exercise, so your doctor will consider the full clinical picture.
Can kidney function improve after being reduced?
It depends on the underlying cause — acute kidney injury from dehydration or a short-term illness often recovers fully, while chronic kidney disease is usually managed to slow progression rather than reversed.
How often should I get my kidney function checked if I have diabetes?
Most guidelines recommend annual kidney function testing for people with diabetes, or more frequently if you already show signs of reduced function.
What is a normal creatinine level?
Roughly 0.7–1.3 mg/dL in men and 0.6–1.1 mg/dL in women, but it varies with muscle mass and lab.
Can high creatinine be reversed?
If it is due to dehydration or a medicine, yes. Long-standing kidney damage is not reversible, but its progress can be slowed.
Do I need a urine test as well?
Yes. Urine albumin/creatinine ratio finds early damage that KFT may miss.
Is a high-protein diet bad for kidneys?
In healthy people it is usually fine, but people with kidney disease may need to limit protein under medical guidance.
How often should diabetics have KFT?
At least once a year, or as often as their doctor advises.
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Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Lab test results should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in the context of your clinical history. Do not self-diagnose or alter your treatment based on test results alone.
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