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Kidney Function Test

Dr. Pravallika DevisettiLast Updated on 9th February 2022

The kidney functions as the filter of the body. The abnormal functioning of the kidney can result in various consequences like diabetes, hypotension, potassium deficiency, kidney failure, etc. Kidney function testing is crucial in the treatment of patients with kidney disease or diseases that impact renal function. These tests are useful for detecting renal disease, evaluating the kidneys' response to treatment, and determining the development of renal illness. It involves a blood test, urine test, and clearance test.

What is the kidney function test used for?What is included in the kidney function test?Procedure for kidney function test How to prepare for the kidney function test?Things to consider after the kidney function test is complete.What types of infection can kidney function tests detect?How much does the kidney function test cost?How long does it take to get the results for the kidney function test?Are there any risks involved with a kidney function test?Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the kidney function test used for?

Kidney function tests are similar to any organ functionality tests that evaluate the functionality of your kidneys. A variety of clinical laboratory tests can be used to investigate and assess kidney function. Obtaining an estimate of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and checking for proteinuria/albuminuria are the most feasible techniques to assess renal function in the clinic.

These tests help identify the problems with the kidney and are advised for the following-;

For early detection of kidney-related disorders
To diagnose kidney problems
For monitoring the kidney function
Routinely done in patients who have long-term or uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, or early detection of signs of kidney failure.
If urine routine shows significant proteinuria, or severe infection, etc.

What is included in the kidney function test?

Blood test	Urine analysis	Clearance Rate test
Creatinine level Nitrogen level in blood’s urea	Presence of albumin in urine Presence of protein in urine	Glomerular filtration rate test using insulin and finding the clearance rate through a blood test. Clearance test using serum creatinine by a urine test.

Procedure for kidney function test

Creatinine clearance test – A creatinine clearance test is performed on a 24-hour urine sample. It tells your doctor how much creatinine your body excretes in a single day.

Urinate into the toilet as you normally would when you wake up on the day you begin the test.
Urinate into a specific container provided by your doctor throughout the rest of the day and night.
During the collecting procedure, keep the container covered and refrigerated. Carefully and clearly label the container and take it to a doctor for your results.

Blood test– Blood samples are required for BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and serum creatinine testing, which must be taken in a lab or a doctor’s office. Blood samples can also be collected at home, for which you can book a test on the MFine app.

Before extracting blood, the technician puts an elastic band around your upper arm. This draws attention to the veins.
The technician then cleans the vein’s surrounding area.
They insert a hollow needle into your vein through your skin. The blood will be collected in a test tube and taken to the lab, where it will be analyzed.
After the test, the technician will cover the puncture site with gauze or a bandage.

Glomerular filtration rate test – It is the best test to determine the glomerular function (GFR). GFR is defined as the rate at which the substances in plasma are filtered through the glomerulus of the kidney. Glomeruli are filter-like networks of blood vessels and capillaries in the kidney that filter the blood. The GFR is measured in milliliters per minute, and it is done with the use of markers that can define the functionality.

Using Insulin-The measurement of GFR using inulin is considered one of the best methods for GFR estimation. The patient needs to be infused with inulin into the bloodstream, and then blood levels are measured after a set amount of time to determine the rate of inulin clearance.
Use of serum creatinine- Creatinine is the most often utilized endogenous marker for evaluating glomerular function. Urine must be collected during a 24-hour period, or preferably over a precisely scheduled period of 5 to 8 hours.

Book a kidney function test to check your nine renal functions level!

How to prepare for the kidney function test?

You do not need any special preparation for the test.

If you go for a serum creatinine test and a blood urea nitrogen test, you have to give your blood sample. Likewise, if you do Microalbuminuria or albumin-to-creatinine ratio tests, creatinine clearance tests, and urinalysis, you need to give your urine sample.

Before the test

8-12 hours of fasting is required before a blood test as it assures better clarity in your results
A creatinine blood test does not necessitate much planning. Fasting isn’t required. To achieve an accurate result, you can and should eat and drink as you normally do. However, any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications should be disclosed to your doctor.
Do not take a protein-rich meal before going for a kidney function test, as recent high protein diets may cause large increases in blood creatinine and urea levels.
Drink an appropriate amount of water before going for the test, as hydration level has a significant impact on BUN measurement.
It is important to collect your urine accurately over the needed time frame for scheduled urine collections, such as the 24-hour urine creatinine clearance, as under or over collection will alter final results. As a result, a timed collection of 5 to 8 hours is preferable to a 24-hour collection.
It is advised to collect midstream urine for urine analysis because epithelial cells and bacteria are usually eliminated in the first few seconds of your urine. So, the sample will be less contaminated, and you can get precise results.

After the test

Hydrate yourself properly after the urine test, and make sure you eat immediately after a blood test.

Things to consider after the kidney function test is complete.

Remember that not only kidney diseases but some other disorders also have side effects that can affect your kidneys. When you get your test results, talk to your doctor about the disorders you face and let them know about your condition in detail. You should also let your doctor know about the medicines you take and other health issues you may have.

*What types of infection can kidney function tests detect?

A kidney function test can detect kidney infections caused by bacteria. Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) is a form of urinary tract infection (UTI) that starts in the urethra or bladder and spreads to one or both kidneys.

Bacteria can multiply and migrate to your kidneys if they enter your urinary tract through the tube that transports urine from your body (urethra). Kidney infections are most commonly caused by this.

You’ll probably be asked to produce a urine sample to test for bacteria, blood, or pus in your urine to confirm that you have a kidney infection. Your doctor may also take a blood sample for a culture, which is a lab test that examines your blood for bacteria or other organisms.

How much does the kidney function test cost?

The range of kidney function tests depends on the region and availability of pathology centers in your city. The cost does not vary much across different cities.

Cities for Kidney Function Test	Price Starting From
KFT Test Price in Delhi	₹350
KFT Test Price in Gurgaon	₹400
KFT Test Price in Noida	₹350
KFT Test Price in Bangalore	₹390
KFT Test Price in Mumbai	₹400
KFT Test Price in Chennai	₹390
KFT Test Price in Hyderabad	₹390
KFT Test Price in Pune	₹400
KFT Test Price in Other Cities of India	₹390

*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.

How long does it take to get the results for the kidney function test?

Your report will be updated on the MFine app within 48 hours after sample collection. However, in some instances, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.

What do abnormal kidney function test results indicate?

Abnormal blood tests	Abnormal urine tests	Abnormal GFR
Abnormal blood test results can suggest diabetes, hypertension, cancer, kidney infection, and other conditions.	Taking a sample of your urine and analyzing it can reveal anomalies that indicate chronic kidney failure, stones, and infections.	Abnormal GFR results in kidney disease, causing damage to kidney functions and ultimately kidney failure.

Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor for interpreting the test reports.

Is kidney function a definitive test?

Yes, a kidney function test is a definitive test as it can instantly interpret the abnormalities in your kidney functions.

How to read the kidney function test report?

Creatinine Test

Blood urea nitrogen test

GFR test

Normal level

1.4mg/dl(men)

1.2mg/dl(women)

Normal level

Men: 8-24mg/dL

Women: 6-21mg/dL

Children: 7-20mg/dL

Normal level

GFR of 60 or higher is in the normal range

Abnormal level

Creatinine levels higher than 1.4mg/dL in men and 1.2mg/dL in women indicate an anomaly in the normal pattern, which might be a problem.

Abnormal level

A high level of blood urea nitrogen indicates diseases like kidney failure, kidney disease, congestive heart failure, etc.

A low level of blood urea nitrogen indicates diseases like protein deficiency, liver failure, malnutrition, overhydration, etc.

Abnormal level

Stage 1- If the GFR is 90ml/min or above, it indicates no loss of kidney function.
Stage 2- If the GFR is between 60ml/min to 89ml/min, it indicates mild loss of kidney function.
Stage 3- If the GFR is between 30ml/min to 59ml/min, it indicates moderate loss of kidney function.
Stage 4- If the GFR is between 15ml/min to 29ml/min, it indicates severe loss of kidney function.
Stage 5- If the GFR is 15ml/min or below, then it indicates kidney failure.

Book a kidney function to check your kidney function level!

Why book a kidney function test?

A kidney test is advised if you have the following symptoms:

Random swelling of legs
Weakness following anemia
Always feeling tired
Irregular heartbeat
Lethargy
Unwillingness to eat
Metabolic acidosis
Congestive heart failure
High level of potassium in the blood
High level of urea
Pericarditis
Brain encephalopathy

Kidney function test at home – how does it work?

The Kidney Function Test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.

Are there any risks involved with a kidney function test?

There are no risks involved with the kidney function test.

What can affect the results of the kidney function test?

A kidney function test is conducted to test the functionality of your kidneys. A few medicines and substances may affect kidney function test results, some of which are as follows:

Alcohol
Diuretics
Antibiotics

Book a Kidney Function to check your kidney function level!

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Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

Is the lab technician coming for Kidney Function sample collection vaccinated?

Safety and social distancing are our top-most priorities, especially during the pandemic. The lab technician who visits your home for sample collection will be vaccinated and checked for symptoms before being assigned. Our technician will also be wearing masks and gloves to ensure safety.

Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?

Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.

How can I download my Kidney Function test report?

Login to the MFine App
Go to your profile
Click on Attachment and Reports
Click on Lab Report
Download the report

Are there any discount offers running on kidney function tests?

Usually, you can avail yourself of up to a 50% discount on kidney function tests through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.

What does the microscopic exam indicate in a person?

If any of the following substances are identified in high concentrations in your urine while analyzing your sample, it indicates issues related to the function of the kidney:

White blood cells- Indicates infection.
Red blood cells- Indicates blood disorder, kidney disease, or bladder cancer.
Crystals- Indicates kidney stone.
Yeast or bacteria- Indicates infection.
Casts- Indicates kidney disorders.

What is the color of urine when the kidney fails?

The color of your urine changes when your kidney fails. Sometimes you will see red, brown, or purple urine. Different colors will indicate different issues with the kidney. Check with your doctor in case you notice abnormal colors in your urine.

What are the symptoms of abnormality in kidney function?

When your kidney undergoes problems, it shows some or all of the following symptoms:

Blood in urine
color changes in the urine
Changes in urine output and frequency of urination
Pain during urination
Swelling of various body parts,
Feeling of fatigue
Pain in the back muscles
Pain in the bone and joint

Can kidney disease be cured completely?

Worsened cases of abnormality in kidney function cannot be cured, but simple kidney abnormalities can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes. Kidney replacement is conducted when one or both of the kidneys fail to function properly.

What are the consequences of renal replacement therapy?

During RRT, the majority of patients experience side effects such as severe arterial hypotension, bleeding, and infections, which can lead to death. Furthermore, in type 1 HRS, RRT indicators (severe fluid overload, acidosis, or hyperkalemia) are infrequent, at least in the early phases.

How can I lower the high creatinine level?

High creatinine levels in your blood indicate improper functioning of your kidneys. You can lower your creatinine levels by reducing vigorous exercise, lowering protein intake, increasing fiber intake, taking chitosan supplements, etc. You can also take supplements like chitosan and drink an appropriate amount of liquids to reduce your high creatinine level.

Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider