Renal Function Tests (RFTs) are a series of blood tests used to evaluate how well your kidneys are working. The kidneys are essential for filtering waste products from the blood, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, and producing hormones. RFTs typically include several tests that measure various substances in the blood.

Common Tests Included in RFTs

1. Serum Creatinine:

   • What it measures: The level of creatinine in the blood.
   • Why it’s important: Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles. The kidneys filter creatinine out of the blood, and high levels can indicate impaired kidney function.

2. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN):

   • What it measures: The amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from the waste product urea.
   • Why it’s important: Urea is produced when protein is broken down in the body. The kidneys normally remove urea from the blood. Elevated BUN levels can indicate reduced kidney function or dehydration.

3. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR):

   • What it measures: The rate at which the kidneys filter blood.
   • Why it’s important: eGFR is calculated based on serum creatinine levels, age, gender, and body size. It gives an overall estimate of kidney function. A lower eGFR indicates reduced kidney function.

4. Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, and Bicarbonate):

   • What it measures: Levels of various electrolytes in the blood.
   • Why it’s important: The kidneys help maintain the balance of electrolytes in the body. Abnormal levels can indicate issues with kidney function or other metabolic disturbances.

5. Serum Albumin:

   • What it measures: The level of albumin, a type of protein, in the blood.
   • Why it’s important: Low levels of albumin can indicate poor kidney function, as the kidneys may not be retaining albumin properly.

Why RFTs are Important

RFTs help in diagnosing and monitoring various kidney conditions, including:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Acute kidney injury (AKI)
• Kidney infections
• Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units)
• Kidney stones
• Polycystic kidney disease (a genetic disorder causing cysts in the kidneys)

Cost of RFTs

In Pune, the cost of a complete Renal Function Test panel is approximately 470 INR. This price is relatively affordable and provides essential information about your kidney health.

Preparing for RFTs

• Fasting: Depending on the specific tests included, you may need to fast for 8-12 hours before the blood sample is taken.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water before the test unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
• Medications: Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking, as some can affect test results.

Interpreting Results

• Normal ranges: These can vary based on the laboratory and individual factors such as age and gender. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results in the context of your overall health.
• Abnormal results: This may indicate the need for further investigation or treatment. Elevated creatinine or BUN levels, for example, might lead to additional tests or referrals to a nephrologist (kidney specialist).

Follow-Up

• Regular monitoring: For individuals with known kidney conditions, regular RFTs are crucial for monitoring kidney function over time.
• Lifestyle changes: Depending on the results, lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, increased hydration, or medication adjustments may be recommended to support kidney health.

List of tests included:

• BLOOD UREA
• SERUM CREATININE,
• URIC ACID,
• SERUM ELECTROLYTES

Kidneys play several vital roles in maintaining your health. One of their most important jobs is to filter waste materials from the blood and expel them from the body as urine. The kidneys also help control the levels of water and various essential minerals in the body. In addition, they’re critical to the production of:

• Vitamin D
• Red blood cells
• Hormones that regulate blood pressure

You may also need kidney function testing done if you have other conditions that can harm the kidneys, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Conditions Detected by Kidney Function Tests

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
• Glomerulonephritis
• Kidney Stones
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Diabetic Nephropathy
• Hypertensive Nephropathy

Symptoms that may indicate a problem with your kidneys include:

• high blood pressure
• blood in the urine
• frequent urges to urinate
• difficulty beginning urination
• painful urination
• swelling of the hands and feet due to a buildup of fluids in the body

A single symptom may not mean something serious. However, when occurring simultaneously, these symptoms suggest that your kidneys aren’t working properly. Kidney function tests can help determine the reason.

Why Sunrise Diagnostic Centre?

Sunrise Diagnostic Centre (A Unit of Aadishakti Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.) is an integrated healthcare model, providing multiple healthcare services under one roof, in a state-of-the-art facility, equipped with ultra-advanced medical equipment with cutting-edge technology.

Sunrise Diagnostic Centre is NABL and ISO Certified & Trusted by 122 Doctors & 30+ Hospitals, We offer a comprehensive range of 4000+ clinical laboratory tests and Home Collection Services in Pune. which are used for prediction, early detection, diagnostic screening, confirmation and/or monitoring of the disease.

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