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The kidneys are a crucial pair of organs shaped like beans, located at the back of the belly, that perform the essential task of purifying the blood by removing waste products, which are later excreted from the body as urine. Besides this waste excretion, they are the primary regulators of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. Tight control of this is the basis for preventing the development of severe diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Each of these organs is composed of a large number of microscopic structures called nephrons, which serve as the primary filtering units. Nephrons not only remove metabolic waste from the body but also efficiently return essential substances, such as water, glucose, and electrolytes, to the blood. Besides that, they remove some substances, e.g., extra ions and injected medicine, via urine.
One way kidneys show they are working well is their ability to adjust urine concentration based on how hydrated the body is and what it needs to do. If you are concerned about your renal health, the following blog will provide you with an understanding of how significant the KFT test is in 2025.
The KFT, also known as the Kidney Function Test, is a series of tests primarily from blood and sometimes from urine, aimed at assessing kidney health. Basically, it is a primary diagnostic tool that gives a picture of how effectively the kidneys are doing their job, which is not only to filter waste but also to keep the body's chemical balance. The test measures calcium, potassium, creatinine, uric acid, chloride, sodium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and phosphorus.
The importance of the KFT test is that it measures the kidneys' typical function, i.e., how well they remove waste from the circulation. The examination of blood and urine samples indicates kidney function and the stage of waste output.
Besides, it serves as a very effective screening tool, especially for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Intervention and treatment, which is the result of early and correct diagnosis of kidney disease, is the cause that can lead to the avoidance of significant complications and even life-threatening situations in most cases by changing lifestyle and taking medication. A nephrologist or other medical professional at At Mahajan Imaging & Labs usually recommends this test if a patient has risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, high cholesterol, or a family history of kidney disease.
The KFT test checks markers that are used to recognise inflammation, infection, damage, or disease. Knowing what each marker means is essential for determining overall kidney health from a KFT test.
The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is the single most significant indicator of renal function. The glomerulus is the part of the kidney that ensures necessary plasma proteins remain in the blood while allowing filtrate to pass into the urine. The GFR is a measure of the volume of blood filtered by the kidneys in 1 minute. When there is damage to the kidneys, they do not filter blood as efficiently as they did before.
A GFR of 60 or higher generally indicates healthy renal function.
A score less than 60 suggests kidney disease.
A score of 15 or below may indicate kidney failure.
BUN is a test that shows how much nitrogen in the blood is coming from urea. Urea is the waste product of protein metabolism, and the kidney is usually the organ that gets rid of it. If BUN levels are high, it indicates that the kidneys are not functioning properly to remove this waste. But increased BUN levels can also result from other causes, without necessarily indicating kidney disease. For example, BUN levels can be affected by dehydration, a high-protein diet, getting older, or the influence of some drugs.
Creatinine is one of the waste products that result from energy metabolism when muscles are used. A functioning kidney effectively removes creatinine through the urine.
A malfunctioning kidney causes elevated creatinine levels in the blood.
A healthy kidney ought to have low creatinine and high GFR values.
While various factors may affect the kidneys' health, two major chronic diseases account for most of the cases of kidney damage:
Diabetes Mellitus of Type 1 and Type 2: Excessively high glucose levels in the blood (hyperglycemia), maintained for an extended period of time, eventually lead to the destruction of the tiny blood vessels of the kidneys, thus, the development of diabetic nephropathy, a complication of diabetes, that affects the kidneys.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): If high blood pressure is maintained for a long time, the arteries that supply the kidneys will get tired and damaged and their walls will become thickened. As a result, kidney tissue receives less blood, and thus, fewer nutrients and oxygen, which leads to further kidney damage.
The KFT test is usually suggested in a scenario where a patient shows risk factors or particular signs and symptoms that can be interpreted as a problem with the kidneys:
Uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes.
Blood in the urine (hematuria).
Pain or difficulty when urinating (dysuria).
Swelling (edema) of the hands, feet, or ankles.
Kidney disease is a related condition in your family background.
Old age (generally over 60).
Frequent or long-term use of certain medicines without prescription can cause various health problems.
Also, a condition in which you frequently or for a long time take certain medicines in a way that may result in kidney damage.
The KFT test is a great early detection instrument. Since kidney disease is usually silent in its early stages, a regular KFT test can detect subtle changes in kidney function before severe damage occurs. Such a screening is offered to everyone as part of their health check and is very instrumental in the follow-up of patients with kidney disease to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
KFT, led by early diagnosis, allows a nephrologist or physician to implement preventive measures and treatment regimens much earlier. When they understand their renal health situation well enough, patients can restructure their lifestyles accordingly, control their co-morbidities (such as diabetes and hypertension), and thus avoid, or at least delay the onset of CKD or kidney failure.
Keeping kidneys functioning is not a one-time task; instead, it needs continuous efforts of living a healthy lifestyle, which includes:
Healthy Food Choices: Following a balanced diet, typically a diet low in sodium, phosphorus, and sometimes protein, can help lessen the burden on the kidneys.
Adequate Hydration: Drinking sufficient water, as advised by the nephrologist, helps the kidneys eliminate waste more effectively.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity is a way to keep body weight and blood pressure at healthy levels, both of which are very important for kidney health.
Managing Chronic Conditions: Maintaining blood sugar and blood pressure within target ranges is extremely important to protect the nephrons.
At Mahajan Imaging & Labs, the KFT test is performed smoothly, allowing you to take preventive measures and thus avoid complications.
To proactively manage your well-being, then undergoing a KFT (Kidney Function Test) is definitely a significant step. Mahajan Imaging & Labs offers KFT testing packages that are highly effective and efficient.
Also Read: How CRP, KFT, and Thyroid Tests Reflect Your Body’s Inner Balance
1. What specific markers are measured in a Kidney Function Test?
A KFT measures blood and urine markers, including creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, and electrolytes like sodium and potassium, to evaluate how effectively the kidneys filter waste.
2. How does the GFR score indicate kidney health?
The Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) measures filtration efficiency. A score of 60+ is healthy, below 60 suggests kidney disease, and 15 or less indicates potential kidney failure.
3. Who should consider booking a KFT test?
Individuals with diabetes, hypertension, or symptoms like swelling (edema) and blood in urine should take the test. It is also recommended for those over 60 or with a family history.
