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
💡 TIP: Creatinine and eGFR are the most important markers in evaluating kidney function. eGFR helps detect early-stage kidney disease even if creatinine appears normal.
🩺 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