Kidney Function Test | Why do you need it? All you need to know about it

A quick rundown of kidney function testing

Along either side of the spine, you have two Kidneys, each about the size of a large fist. They're placed beneath the ribs and behind your stomach.

Your kidneys play a pivotal role in your overall well-being. One of its most important functions is to filter waste items from the blood and excrete them as urine. The kidneys also help the body regulate water and other essential substances. They're also necessary for the creation of:

• hormones that control blood pressure
• Vitamin D
• red blood cells

If your doctor feels that the kidneys are not working properly, they may order renal function testing. These are simple blood and urine samples that can determine if you have kidney diseases.

If you have additional disorders that can impair your kidneys, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, you may need renal function tests. They can aid doctors in keeping track of these problems.

What are kidney function tests?

Kidney function tests comprise urinary or blood tests that assess the health of your kidneys. The glomerular filtration rate is measured in most of these assays (GFR). GFR measures how well your kidneys remove waste from your body.

Kidney profile tests or KFT tests determine how well your kidneys are functioning. The majority of these tests examine how your kidneys remove waste from your body very well. A kidney test can include a blood tests, a 24-hour urine sample, or a combination of the two. Your test results are usually available on that day or beyond a few days.

What are the functions of your kidneys?

Your urinary system includes your kidneys. The two kidneys are located right below the ribcage in the back of your belly. They assist your body in filtering waste items and excreting them in the form of urine. Your kidneys are also necessary for the production of:

• Hormones that keep blood pressure in check.
• Your body's oxygen-carrying Red blood cells.
• Vitamin D is essential for bone and muscle function.

What are the reasons I might require a KFT test?

Diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension) are two disorders that impair how well the kidneys perform. If you have one of these disorders, your doctor may be using kidney function tests to keep track of your progress.

If you experience symptoms that suggest you may have kidney disease, you might want a kidney function test. These signs and symptoms could include:

• Urine with blood in it (hematuria).
• Urination that hurts (dysuria).
• Urge to urinate regularly.
• I'm having trouble starting to pee.

What types of KFT tests are there?

Your healthcare professional may order one or more kinds of kidney profile tests. In addition, blood samples for kidney function may be performed, such as:

BUN (blood urea nitrogen) is a test that determines how much nitrogen (from protein breakdown) is in your blood. Depending on individual protein intake, age, gender, size, and race, the estimated GFR (eGFR) predicts filtration rates.

Creatinine, a waste material of muscle tissue breakdown, is measured in serum creatinine.

What occurs during a urine test for kidneys?

At home, you perform 24-hour urine tests. Your physician will provide you with a jar to collect urine for a 24hr urine test. On the day before the examination:

• When you initially wake up, pee into the toilet like usual.
• Urinate into the jar throughout the remainder of the day.
• When you wake up on day two, pee into the container.
• Drop your specimen off at the medical provider's office or laboratory to finish the test.

After a kidney profile test, what should I expect?

Kidney function tests are usually straightforward and have no negative consequences. However, some people have the following reactions to blood tests:

• Bruising.
• Dizziness.
• Fatigue.

Blood tests or urine routine microscopy test rarely result in long-term discomfort or problems. However, contact your healthcare professional if you have persistent discomfort, exhaustion, or other symptoms.

What do my kidney function test results mean?

The results of a KFT Blood Test can inform you whether or not your kidneys are usually working. The majority of function tests seek two things:

• A GFR of less than 60 indicates the presence of renal disease.
• A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) greater than 30 milligrammes per gramme may indicate kidney disease.

What if my tests reveal that I have an early renal disease?

If a test yields unexpected results, your doctor will contact you to discuss treatment options. For example, you may be prescribed blood pressure drugs. You could also consult a specialist (a doctor who specialises in the kidneys).

If your test results are out of the ordinary, your doctor will probably order more kidney function tests in the near. Testing regularly allows your doctor to keep track of your health and any underlying concerns.

If the tests reveal early kidney disease, your doctor will specialise in treating the underlying illness. For example, if the tests show hypertension, your doctor will give blood pressure drugs. They'll also suggest dietary and lifestyle modifications.

If you have diabetes, your doctor may advise you to see an endocrinologist. This doctor specialises in metabolic diseases and can help you achieve the best blood glucose control possible.

Your doctor will take appropriate measures to control any underlying conditions that may be causing your abnormal kidney profile tests, including kidney stones or excessive use of painkillers.

If your test results are abnormal, you'll need to have frequent kidney function testing in the coming months. These will assist your doctor in monitoring your condition.