Renal Function Test (RFT)
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 14/05/2024
Your kidneys play a vital part in ridding your body of toxins and waste by filtering your blood and returning essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to your bloodstream. Through this process, they also help your body maintain its natural electrolyte levels.
If they fail to perform these functions or get damaged, it could result in several physiological problems. Which can then lead to chronic renal conditions or, in more extreme cases, kidney failure or death left if left untreated or undiagnosed.
To prevent this from happening, a Renal Function Test or RFT test procedure is performed to assess kidney health. These tests are commonplace in many hospitals and clinics and can be performed on anyone. So if you want to find out more, keep reading.
What is a Renal Function Test Procedure?
An RFT test procedure, also known as a kidney function test procedure, is a diagnostic procedure prescribed by your doctor or physician to assess kidney function. It is a group of tests used to determine the current health and condition of your kidneys to check if they function optimally.
For example, your doctor may ask for a procedure to check kidney function if you have diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), or exhibit symptoms of kidney disease.
An RFT test procedure is incredibly common and is a simple procedure that involves very little preparation on your part. It primarily requires you to turn in a sample, specified by your doctor or physician, to a particular lab or hospital to be assessed.
The tests only take a couple of hours to perform, and you are handed your results within 24 hours.
When Will You Be Asked to Get an RFT Test Procedure?
Your doctor may ask you to get an RTF test procedure for an initial diagnosis if you come in with symptoms like
Complaints of frequent urination or an excessive urge to urinate.
Hematuria (the presence of blood in the urine).
Dysuria (Pain during urination)
Problems in passing urine.
If you exhibit any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately, as they may be symptoms of a more severe renal condition.
Other cases where a renal function test procedure may be required:
- To monitor kidney function and disease stage progression in patients diagnosed with chronic or progressive kidney disease. This can require multiple RTF test procedures throughout the year.
An Overview of the Renal Function Test Procedure
| Contents | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Test | Renal Function Test (RFT) / Kidney Function Test (KFT) |
| Test Sample | Blood or urine or both |
| RFT Test Composition | ● Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), ● Serum Creatine, ● Ureanalysis, ● Estimated GFR, ● Protein, Mineral, and Waste Product Tests ● Blood Glucose Test |
| Test Preparation | No Preparation Required |
| Sample Duration | 24 Hours From Sample Collection |
| Result Availability | Within 24 hours |
| Health Insurance Coverage Provided | Yes |
What Tests are Done During a Renal Function Test Procedure?
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Serum Creatine
Sodium and Potassium Levels
Mineral Tests
Protein Tests Like Albumin Test
Tests for Waste Products
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Test
Chloride Test
Blood Glucose Test
The specific batch of tests performed will differ across laboratories, but these are the most common. Here is a closer look at these tests to understand their functions and intended purpose.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Serum Creatine: These levels are checked, and an increase could indicate kidney problems.
- Sodium and Potassium Levels: Sodium and potassium levels in the bloodstream are also tested to ensure your kidneys filter them out properly.
- Mineral Tests: This test is done to monitor phosphorus and calcium levels as they help to maintain the body’s acid-balance levels and the proper functioning of the muscles, nerves, heart, and the formation of bones. High levels of either of these minerals indicate kidney disease.
- Protein Tests Like Albumin Test: Where an increase in albumin means that your kidneys are damaged.
- Tests for Waste Products: Urea and creatine are almost entirely filtered out from the blood and eliminated through urine by healthy kidneys. Failure to do this can result in an accumulation of these substances in the bloodstream.
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Test: The GFR is a measurement of the rate at which your kidneys are removing excess fluid and waste. Normal GFR levels for an adult male lie around 90 to 120 ml per minute. However, this number can decline with age.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, the eGFR levels at various stages of kidney disease are
- Stage 1: 90 ml/min or above, normal kidney function. For example, your test results may indicate protein in the urine.
- Stage 2: 60 - 89 ml/min, mild loss of kidney function with kidney damage.
- Stage 3a: 45 - 59 ml/min, mild to moderate loss of kidney function.
- Stage 3b: 30 - 44 ml/min moderate to severe loss of kidney function.
- Stage 4: 15 - 29 ml/min severe loss of kidney function.
- Stage 5: Less than 15ml/min, kidney failure.
- Chloride Test: Where an increased amount of chloride indicates kidney damage.
- Blood Glucose Test: This test is done if the patient has diabetes to ensure their body maintains a relatively constant glucose level in the bloodstream.
Normal Ranges For Renal Function Test Procedure
| Test Name | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Uric Acid | 3.5 - 7.2 mg/dL |
| Sodium and Potassium Level Test | 135 - 145 mEq/L (milliequivalents per litre) |
| Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) | 5 - 20 mg/dl |
| Creatinine/ Serum Creatine | 0.66 - 1.25 mg/dL |
| BUN: Creatinine Ratio | 10:1 and 20:1 |
| Mineral Test | Calcium: 8.4 - 10.2 mg/dL Phosphorus: 2.8 to 4.5 mg/dL |
| Estimated GFR | 90 ml/min or above |
| Albumin Range | 3.4 - 5.4 g/dL |
| Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) | Under 30 |
| Glucose Levels | 99 mg/dL or lower |
| Chloride Test | 96 - 106 mEq/L |
Normal values may be slightly different depending on the laboratory you choose, and they may even use different units of measurement. Hence the values given above are for informational purposes only.
Any test results you may get should be forwarded and discussed with your physician or healthcare provider.
Renal Function Test Price
The average RFT test cost is around ₹700 - ₹1,500. However, the cost can vary greatly depending on the city you live in, the lab or the hospital you choose to take your RFT procedure test in, and if you have a health insurance policy.
Since it is a relatively simple procedure that only takes a maximum of 24 hours, renal function test prices are usually affordable. However, the overall expenditure regarding these tests can depend on your health condition.
For example, Suppose you are diagnosed with late-stage kidney disease. In that case, you may have your critical illness insurance covering the costs since you must get multiple RFT test procedures done throughout the year to assess your kidney function as the disease progresses or regresses.
In contrast, if this is your first time taking the test and you are completely healthy, the kidney function test price may only be a one-time expense that you can have your health insurance policy cover or pay out of pocket.
Conclusion
The RFT test procedure is simple, accessible, and inexpensive for most people in India. You go into the lab to hand in your sample and get your results by the next day. Since it is a very common procedure, it is also covered under most health insurance policies.
However, if you have chronic kidney disease, it may be best to buy health insurance online from the Tata AIG website if you don’t already have one. This way, any recurring expenses are covered by your plan saving you money in the long run.
Disclaimer / TnC
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions & inclusions and exclusions mentioned in your policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
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