🩺 Kidney Function Test (KFT)
A Kidney Function Test (KFT) is a group of tests used to evaluate how well the kidneys are working. The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste, regulating electrolytes, maintaining fluid balance, and producing hormones. KFT helps in diagnosing kidney diseases, monitoring conditions, and assessing overall kidney health.
🔬 Common Kidney Function Tests
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
- Purpose: Measures urea nitrogen from protein breakdown.
- Normal Range: 7–20 mg/dL
- Significance: High = kidney dysfunction/dehydration; Low = liver disease.
Serum Creatinine
- Purpose: Measures creatinine from muscle metabolism.
- Normal Range: 0.6–1.2 mg/dL (men), 0.5–1.1 mg/dL (women)
- Significance: High levels = impaired kidney function.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
- Purpose: Estimates blood filtration efficiency.
- Normal Range: 90–120 mL/min/1.73m²
- Significance: Low GFR = reduced kidney function.
Electrolyte Levels
- Purpose: Measures sodium, potassium, chloride.
- Significance: Abnormal levels → kidney issues or dehydration.
Uric Acid
- Purpose: Monitors uric acid from purine breakdown.
- Significance: High levels = kidney issues or gout.
Urine Albumin
- Purpose: Detects protein (albumin) in urine.
- Significance: Early marker of kidney damage (esp. in diabetes/HTN).
Urinalysis
- Purpose: Analyzes urine composition.
- Significance: Detects protein, blood, glucose, infections.
📌 Why KFT is Done
- Diagnose & monitor chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Detect acute kidney injury.