RFT (Renal Function Tests)

What are Renal Function Tests (RFTs)?

• Purpose: RFTs measure various parameters to evaluate kidney function and detect abnormalities.
• Parameters: RFTs typically include tests for creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and sometimes electrolytes like potassium and sodium.

Why are Renal Function Tests (RFTs) Important?

1. Kidney Health: Assessing kidney function helps detect conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), and nephrotic syndrome.
2. Monitoring: Used to monitor the progression of kidney disease and assess the effectiveness of treatment.
3. Medication Management: Helps adjust medications dosages that are cleared by the kidneys, such as certain antibiotics and medications for blood pressure.
4. Overall Health: Kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and removing waste products from the blood.

Components of Renal Function Tests:

• Creatinine: A waste product from muscle breakdown. Elevated levels can indicate kidney dysfunction.
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, a byproduct of protein metabolism. Elevated levels can indicate kidney or liver dysfunction, dehydration, or heart failure.
• eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): Estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli (filters) in the kidneys each minute. It helps assess kidney function.
• Electrolytes: Tests for potassium, sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate levels, which are regulated by the kidneys and can be affected by kidney function.

When Should You Get Renal Function Tests (RFTs)?

• Symptoms: If you have symptoms like changes in urination (frequency, color), swelling (edema), fatigue, or persistent high blood pressure.
• Medical Conditions: Individuals with diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, or a family history of kidney disease.
• Medication Use: Monitoring kidney function for patients taking medications that can affect the kidneys.