Everything You Need to Know About Kidney Function Test (KFT)
Kidneys, one of the vital organs in our body, are mainly involved in the filtration of blood by removing toxins and maintaining the overall health of an individual. They are mainly responsible for the regulation of fluid balance in our body. Any impairment in their functioning results in the development of various health complications, like chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure. The kidney function test, also commonly called KFT, helps to assess the functioning of the kidneys. Kidney function tests are also referred to as the Renal Function Tests, also known as RFT.
Importance of KFTs
The primary purpose of KFT is to estimate how well the kidneys are functioning in a person. It is the analysis of the levels of various substances like creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and uric acid in a blood sample. The results of these tests help doctors evaluate the overall functioning of the kidneys and detect any implicit problems.
KFT Parameters
The two main parameters of KFT are the serum creatinine test and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test. Serum creatinine test analyses the level of creatinine in a blood sample and helps to assess the level of functioning of the kidneys. The eGFR test assesses the creatinine levels and helps to calculate how efficiently the kidneys can filter the blood.
A KFT generally involves a simple blood test. A small amount of blood is collected by the medical lab technician to assess for the serum creatine and uric acid levels. In a few cases, the doctors may prescribe a 24-hour urine collection test. In this procedure, the patient is asked to collect all the urine produced in the last 24-hour period and send it to the laboratory, to measure the amount of creatinine and other substances in the urine sample collected.
Understanding the Results
When the doctor receives the results of the report of a KFT of an individual, they will be able to provide with a better understanding of his or her kidney health. The BUN, creatinine and eGFR levels, will all play a vital role in determining the stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) if present. Early diagnosis and management of CKD can prevent further kidney damage and disease progression.
Recommendation for KFT
KFT is generally recommended for people who are at risk of kidney disease due to their family history or for those people with acute kidney injury. It is also recommended to individuals with a medical history of diabetes, hypertension, or obesity.
Additionally, people with symptoms such as frequent urination, swelling of the legs or ankles, blood in the urine, sudden weight loss, shortness of breath, fatigue etc., should get KFT done.
Vital Role of KFT
Monitoring your kidney health is critical, especially if you have a family history of kidney disease or are at risk for developing chronic kidney diseases (CKD). KFT is an easy and reliable test to assess your kidney functioning. Regular kidney function tests, and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, are some of the key tips to be followed to keep your kidneys healthy.
If you or any of the persons you know experience the symptoms of improper kidney functioning such as increased frequency of urination, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), high fever, extreme weight loss, shortness of breath etc.; it is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider. Get yourself tested for KFT at the AMPATH labs, to book an appointment, click here.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have concerns about your health or suspect you may have sarcoma, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
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