Renal Function Test (RFT)

An RFT test or Renal Function Test refers to a group of tests done to know about your kidney health. They include various tests such as electrolytes, minerals, proteins, and glucose in your blood. These tests help healthcare providers determine kidney health and assess how well they work.

When your kidneys do not work well, the toxins and waste products accumulate in your body because the kidneys do not excrete them. The fluids can also not leave your body, which leads to a potentially life-threatening condition. Various risk factors can put you at risk of developing kidney disease. However, the most common risk factors are diabetes and hypertension. Therefore if you have even one of them, you might need to undergo renal function tests often. It is because your healthcare providers would check whether your kidneys are healthy or not. If you are at risk of developing kidney disease, get renal function tests done frequently.

What Is Renal Function?

Your body has a pair of kidneys that work day and night without any break to filter your blood. The kidneys keep the nutrients, minerals, and electrolytes that your body needs and dispose of the remains. It protects your body from toxin accumulation by excreting unwanted substances in a timely manner. Moreover, over your kidneys are the adrenal glands that regulate hormones that regulate blood pressure. They can sense if your blood pressure is too high or too low. And they secrete the hormones accordingly to normalize your blood pressure. Your kidneys also help in red blood cell production by secreting erythropoietin.

To stay healthy, your kidneys must work well. If they stop working, you will need to get a transplant or undergo frequent dialysis sessions.

What Is An RFT Test Used For?

An RFT test is used for various purposes. It can be done for regular screening or emergency purposes. The common reasons for getting an RFT test are:

• To identify the renal disease
• To determine appropriate patient management
• To prevent further kidney damage
• To know the extent of kidney damage
• To prevent the progression of kidney disease
• To ensure optimal management and treatment are being done to prevent further kidney damage
• To monitor interventions

When Should I Get An RFT Test?

You should get an RFT test done if you are at risk of kidney disease. Make sure to get them done if you have diabetes or hypertension. You might also need to get them done often if you have chronic kidney disease. The healthcare providers will ask you to get it done to know about your kidney health.

How Are Renal Function Tests Performed?

The renal function tests are performed like any other tests. The healthcare provider will insert a syringe into your arm and withdraw the blood directly into the vial or the container. You might feel little to no pain during the procedure.

RFT Test Normal Range

RFT usually involves various tests. These include electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate), minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, protein such as albumin, waste products such as urea and creatinine, and energy source or glucose.

Among all renal function tests, the most important one is serum creatinine level. The normal range of serum creatinine levels for men is 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL (61.9 to 114.9 µmol/L) and 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL (53 to 97.2 µmol/L) for women.

What Are The Risks Of An RFT Test?

Like all the other blood tests, the risks with an RFT test are minimal and these include:

• Lightheadedness
• Excessive bleeding
• Infection at the puncture site

How Long Does It Take To Get Results Of An RFT Test?

A renal function test consists of various tests. However, you can get results for all the tests in 1 to 2 days.