Kidney Health: Test to detect kidney problems, know how much it costs..

Kidney disease is increasing rapidly in India, the main reasons for which are diabetes, high blood pressure, poor lifestyle, and genetic factors. When the kidney does not function properly, problems like fatigue, swelling, blood in the urine, and frequent urination occur. Therefore, a timely kidney checkup is very important. But the question is, which tests should be done to detect kidney problems and how much do they cost?

The most important test to detect kidney problems – KFT

Kidney Function Test (KFT), also known as Renal Function Test (RFT), is the most important test to check the functioning of the kidney. It checks various parameters of the kidney through blood and urine:

Serum Creatinine: It is a waste product formed from muscle metabolism. Its level increases in the blood when the kidney does not function properly. The normal level should be 0.7-1.3 mg/dL in men and 0.6-1.1 mg/dL in women.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): A waste product formed from the breakdown of protein. Elevated levels indicate kidney damage, dehydration, or a high protein diet. The normal range is 7-20 mg/dL.

Uric acid: Formed from the breakdown of purines, which are excreted through the kidneys. Elevated levels indicate kidney damage or gout. Normal is 3.4-7.0 mg/dL for men, 2.4-6.0 mg/dL for women.

Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, and chloride maintain the balance of water and minerals in the body. Abnormal levels may indicate a kidney problem.

Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): This test shows how well the kidneys are filtering blood. More than 90 mL/min is considered normal, while less than 60 indicates a risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Apart from this, urinalysis and microalbumin tests can also be done to check the kidney, which gives information about protein leakage or infection from the kidney.

How much does a KFT test cost?

The prices of KFT tests vary in different parts of the country:

Delhi-NCR: ₹349 to ₹780
Mumbai-Pune: ₹375 to ₹1250
Lucknow-Kanpur: ₹300 to ₹1000
Jaipur: ₹400 to ₹900
Patna: ₹300 to ₹700

What to do before the KFT test?

Usually, there is no need to fast for the KFT test, but some doctors recommend fasting for 8-12 hours. It is important to drink enough water before the test, as dehydration can affect the results. If you are taking any medications or supplements, inform the doctor before the test.

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