Descriptions

Kidney Function Test

What's the purpose of this test?

Renal function tests test blood samples to identify kidney related issues. Renal function tests are a series of blood tests to evaluate kidney damage or failure of the kidney.

Test Parameters:

• Creatinine
• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
• Urea nitrogen

Creatinine:

The creatinine test is utilized to assess the number of creatinine levels in your blood. Creatinine is a byproduct resulting from the decomposition of creatine in your muscles, and the test is conducted to check how your kidneys are functioning.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) tests are performed to determine the health of the kidneys. The GFR test measures the rate of blood filtration per minute.

What are Kidneys?

Kidneys constitute the principal filtering system in the body. They can efficiently filter blood and eliminate the waste from it. They also expel them through urine. This helps to prevent the loss of blood proteins and cells. Every kidney has numerous glomeruli. Glomeruli are the tiny filter found inside the kidney. If there's a problem in kidney function, it is a sign that the glomeruli have failed to effectively filter. In the process of glomerular filtration, the quantity of blood that flows through the glomeruli every minute is calculated, thereby determining the function of kidneys.

Urea Nitrogen:

The test is a measure of the amount of nitrogen in urea in the blood. Urea is an unneeded product that is produced in the liver due to the breakdown of proteins. The urea is released into the bloodstream from the liver. It is usually eliminated from the blood through the kidneys. The kidneys filter out urea, and it is then eliminated from the body via urine.

What is the significance of kidneys?

Kidneys constitute the principal organ of filtration in the body. They can efficiently filter blood and eliminate any waste materials from it. They eliminate them via urine, and this helps to prevent the loss of blood proteins and cells. Every kidney has numerous glomeruli. Glomeruli are the tiny filter that is found in the kidney. If there's a problem in the functioning of the kidney, it is a sign that the glomeruli are unable to function effectively. In the glomerular filtration rate, the amount of blood flowing through the glomeruli in a minute is calculated, thereby measuring the kidney's function.

What is the reason for this test?

This test could be suggested if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, kidney stones, heart disease, regular urinary tract infections, and kidney failure. You may also have polycystic kidney diseases or when you notice certain signs like difficulty urinating regularly or urinating with foamy fluid or blood in your urine, back pain in the middle, unexplained swelling of your body or your eyes, and so on. This test might be suggested if you use any medications that may interfere with kidney function or relatives with kidney disorders.

Precautions:

Certain medications could affect the test results, such as the cisplatin drug, ibuprofen trimethoprim and flucytosine. Cephalosporin antibiotics such as cephalexin, Cefixime, ceftriaxone aminoglycosides such as streptomycin, amikacin, gentamicin, Neomycin and many more. Certain conditions may affect test results, such as being under 18 years old, obese, malnourished, or overweight bodybuilder who consumes lots of meat, following no-meat diets or vegetarian ones or a change in kidney function and pregnancy, as well as neuromuscular disorders, which is a disease that causes muscle wasting. Therefore, inform your physician or technician of all your medications and medical conditions before your test.

Also called KFT Automated Blood Kidney Function Profile Automated Blood Kidney Panel Automated Blood Renal Function Tests Automated Blood KFT Automated Blood RFT Kidney Function Profile Kidney Panel Renal Function Profile Renal Function Tests, Kidney Function Test.

Test Preparation

Inform your physician if you are taking any medication or have any allergies other medical conditions that could affect the RFT. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on the best way to get ready for your RFT based on your medical situation.

There is no particular preparation needed for this test.

Understanding your test results

Things like gender, age, race, gender, health history, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are also considered when assessing the function of the kidney.

The size of your muscle mass influences creatinine levels, and it differs in women, men and children based on the person's age. The results of your test could not necessarily mean the presence of kidney problems. Consult your doctor about the results.

Suppose your levels of creatinine are greater than normal. In that case, it could be a sign of renal disease or obstruction of the urinary system, congestive heart failure, dehydration and shock, diabetes, overactive thyroid glands, problems during pregnancy, seizures caused by the condition eclampsia, or high blood pressure due to preeclampsia, etc.

If your creatinine levels are lower than the normal levels, it could be caused by liver disease or muscle loss. It could also be due to not having enough protein in your diet, etc.

If the glomerular filter rate tests results are slightly lower than the normal range, it could mean there isn't any kidney damage. However, The results that are lower than normal could indicate minor damage to the kidney. Still, if the results are much lower than normal, it could mean a significant kidney function impairment. If the results are drastically less than normal, the result could be indicative of kidney failure.

Urea nitrogen levels that are high suggest that your kidneys aren't working as they should. The low levels of urea nitrogen aren't very frequent. It could result from damage to the liver caused by malnutrition, excessive hydration or a lack of protein in your diet.

If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor might recommend additional tests based on your results.