12 Sep 2026 · Wellness Diagnostics
Kidney Function Test (KFT): When Should You Get Tested and What Do the Results Mean?
Your kidneys perform several essential functions every day. They filter waste products from the blood, help maintain fluid balance, regulate important electrolytes and support overall health.
A Kidney Function Test, commonly called KFT or Renal Function Test, is a group of blood tests used to assess how well the kidneys are functioning.
Regular kidney health monitoring can help identify changes in kidney function, especially for people with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease.
What Is a Kidney Function Test?
A Kidney Function Test is a laboratory evaluation that measures specific substances in the blood to assess kidney function.
The test may include markers such as:
Serum Creatinine
Blood Urea
Uric Acid
Sodium
Potassium
Chloride
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate or eGFR
The exact tests included may vary depending on the package or the doctor's recommendation.
Why Is Creatinine Important?
Creatinine is a waste product produced by normal muscle activity. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine from the blood and remove it from the body.
When kidney filtration is reduced, creatinine levels in the blood may increase.
However, creatinine levels can also be influenced by muscle mass, age, hydration status, medicines and physical activity. For this reason, results should be interpreted along with other kidney health markers.
What Does Urea Indicate?
Urea is another waste product that is normally removed from the body