Kidney Diagnostic Tests - Urine Test for Kidney Function, Results

The fundamental function a kidney performs in a human body is to purify the blood and filter out the waste in the form of urine. If a person is advised to have a kidney check up test,  then he/she would be required to go through a couple of urine and blood tests.

Following are the types of kidney function tests performed by labs:

1. Urinalysis: This is a common kidney urine test that measures or evaluates urine's chemical and physical properties like colour and pH, protein and glucose levels. 
2. Serum creatinine test: This blood test measures whether the level of creatinine is increasing in the blood. A high level of this substance may be a sign of a kidney disease. 
3. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): This measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. 
4. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): This test measures the level of how kidneys are filtering out the waste. This is impacted by a variety of factors like age, gender and height, amongst others. 

The kidney function test is a set of medical exams that is used to keep track of the functioning and well-being of one’s kidneys. Statistically speaking, in India, 17 out of 100 people have a risk of being diagnosed with kidney disease. Therefore, a kidney checkup test is important to lead a healthy life. Following are a few important aspects of getting a kidney diagnostic test: 

1. Early detection of kidney diseases: It is better to be preventive than curative. And, studies show that getting regular health check ups can eliminate the risk of disease burden by 60 to 70%. By getting a KFT done, one can detect early signs of a kidney disease, if any. 
2. Monitoring kidney function: It is imperative that the functioning of kidneys is kept under a routine screening so as to eliminate any shocking revelations. 

The main purpose of a KFT is to assess the health and detect any abnormalities or dysfunction related to one’s kidneys. Furthermore, if someone is going through a surgery or treatment of a kidney disease, then getting a KFT done is helpful so as to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and keep track of the progress. 

Two methods are used to perform a kidney function test: Urine and Blood. While one test checks whether kidneys are filtering out the waste properly, the other examines if they are leaking protein through urine. Let us understand these kidney diagnostic tests in detail. 

1. Urine test: The urine test for kidney function requires one to store his/her urine sample in a sterile container, which is then sent to the laboratory for further inspection for substances like creatinine or protein. 
   1. Two types of urine tests are done to check for the protein content in urine. A Dipstick urine test is carried out as a part of the overall urinalysis. If the dipstick changes colour when placed in a urine sample, then the levels are above normal. 
   2. The second method, also known as the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), is carried out to check the amount of albumin in one’s urine. 
2. Blood test: Another method for performing the kidney function test is by taking a blood sample. In this method, a nurse or a person in charge sticks a needle into the patient’s arm and draws out blood.To take a blood test, the person might need to appear for the same on an empty stomach. The sample is then sent to the laboratory for further inspection for substances like blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. 

Some other methods through which doctors perform kidney diagnostic tests are imaging exams like ultrasounds and CT scans. However, the type of test undertaken is decided as per the doctor’s recommendation. 

Kidney diagnostic tests are done to assess the working of one’s kidneys. However, it is advisable to be clear about what to expect before and after the test. 

Before Kidney Function Test

Following is a list of things one should keep in mind before the test:  

1. For a creatinine test, a person would need to fast before the blood sample is drawn, usually 8-12 hours, to ensure accurate results
2. Any medication or supplements that might hinder the kidney function test result must not be taken before the examination. However, this should be done only after consulting the doctor. 
3. For a urine test or ultrasound, one might be asked to drink plenty of fluids before the test. 
4. The person should inform the healthcare provider of any medical conditions he/she has or medications he/she is taking, as these can also affect the test results.

After Kidney Function Test 

1. One can resume his/her normal activities and diet immediately after the test.
2. Depending on the results of the test, the healthcare provider may recommend further testing or treatment.
3. If the results show that the kidney function is impaired, the healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, medication, or other treatments to help manage the condition.
4. If the patient has any questions or concerns about the test results, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
5. After the results are available, the healthcare provider will review them and provide further guidance, if any is required. 

A kidney function test measures various parameters to evaluate the health of kidneys and overall well-being. Some common parameters measured in a kidney function test include:

1. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): A calculation based on creatinine level, age, gender, and race that estimates how well the kidneys are filtering waste products from the blood.
2. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): A waste product produced by the liver and removed from the blood by the kidneys. Elevated levels of BUN may indicate decreased kidney function.
3. Creatinine: This measures the amount of creatinine in one’s blood. If kidneys are not functioning properly, then the amount of creatinine increases. 
4. Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR): A measurement of the amount of protein (albumin) in the urine compared to the amount of creatinine in the urine. Elevated levels of UACR may indicate kidney damage.

After the urine test for kidney function is carried out, it is the time for results. Various aspects are stated in the urine test report, from the basics like type of test to the measurement range. The following are considered normal values for various kidney urine test parameters for adults in India:

Notably, any deviation from the normal value may indicate an abnormality that requires further investigation.

There are numerous factors that might affect the kidney function test and its results. It is imperative that one keeps a track of these factors so as to eliminate any false test results. 

1. Diet: A protein-rich diet may lead to an increased amount of waste products that kidneys need to filter out. This directly leads to an increase creatinine levels and blood urea nitrogen levels en in the blood. 
2. Age: The age of the patient also has a significant impact on the kidney function test and its results. For instance, an aged person may have a lower level of Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in his/her blood and a high level of creatinine as compared to a younger adult. 
3. Pregnancy: A pregnant woman is known to have high levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in their blood which might lead to a different test result. 
4. Underlying health conditions: If one is suffering from any underlying problem like high blood pressure or diabetes, then it can impact the kidney function test and its results.

The average cost of a urine test to assess kidney function in India ranges from Rs.150 to Rs. 700. The cost of a kidney diagnostic test in India can vary depending on the location, the laboratory, the specific test being performed, and test equipment’s brand or quality.

Several government-run hospitals and clinics in India offer free or subsidised urine tests for kidney function assessment. Hence, confirming the cost with the specific laboratory or healthcare provider is always best before getting the test done. Additionally, the cost may be covered under health insurance, depending on the policy and coverage.

Kidney diagnostic tests are crucial to evaluate the functioning of your kidneys. If someone suffers from kidney disease, then the above-mentioned information comes in handy. Patients need to be educated and aware of the procedures they will be going under to prepare for the upcoming course. This blog is meant to help understand the technicalities and related details of a kidney check-up test.

Do you want to learn more about kidney diagnostic tests? Visit the HexaHealth platform to have all your healthcare-related problems answered by qualified professionals from all over the country. Our experts are always there to help you with any healthcare-related issues and concerns. So contact a HexaHealth expert TODAY!

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