Your kidneys filter waste, regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, and maintain pH levels in the body. A Kidney Function Test (KFT) is a group of blood and urine tests used to evaluate how well your kidneys are working. It is crucial for early detection of kidney disease and overall metabolic health.
🔍 What Does a KFT Panel Include?
Typically, the KFT includes the following parameters:
- Serum Creatinine
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
- Uric Acid
- Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride)
- eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
✅ Key Parameters & Normal Ranges
| Test | Normal Range | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Creatinine | 0.6–1.3 mg/dL | Waste from muscle metabolism – key indicator of kidney health |
| Urea (BUN) | 7–20 mg/dL | Waste from protein digestion – filtered by kidneys |
| Uric Acid | M: 3.4–7.0 / F: 2.4–6.0 mg/dL | Byproduct of purine breakdown – high in gout/kidney dysfunction |
| eGFR | >90 mL/min/1.73m² | Estimates filtering ability – stage kidney function |
| Sodium (Na⁺) | 135–145 mEq/L | Fluid balance and nerve function |
| Potassium (K⁺) | 3.5–5.0 mEq/L | Muscle/heart rhythm regulation |
| Chloride (Cl⁻) | 98–106 mEq/L | Acid-base balance |
📈 What Do Abnormal Values Indicate?
- High Creatinine: Kidney dysfunction, dehydration, muscle injury
- High Urea: Dehydration, kidney failure, high protein intake
- Low eGFR: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) staging
- High Uric Acid: Gout, renal stone risk
- Low Sodium: Overhydration, adrenal insufficiency
- High Potassium: Kidney failure, risk of cardiac arrhythmia
🩺 When to Get a KFT Done?
- Unexplained fatigue, swelling, or frequent urination
- History of diabetes or high blood pressure
- Medication that affects kidneys (NSAIDs, antibiotics)
- Routine annual check-up for high-risk individuals
- Monitoring of known kidney or heart disease
🏥 Final Thoughts
KFT is a crucial diagnostic panel that can help detect early renal issues and monitor ongoing conditions. Keeping your kidneys healthy involves staying hydrated, managing blood sugar and pressure, and avoiding unnecessary medications.
Discuss with your doctor if you see persistently high or fluctuating values in creatinine, urea, or electrolytes. Further tests like urine analysis, ultrasound, or renal biopsy may be advised if required.
📥 Bonus: Download Printable KFT Chart (PDF)
📊 Track Kidney Health: Use Our KFT Tracker Google Sheet
