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Kidneys are the life and blood to our body. Doctors may suggest kidney diagnostic tests if you are experiencing symptoms like difficulty in urination, blood in the urine, high blood pressure, etc. Notably, a threat to our kidneys can affect our vitamin D levels, hamper the production of red blood cells and can even cause hormonal issues. Therefore, it is needless to say that kidneys play a vital role in maintaining good health and well-being.
A urine test for kidney function assessment is a non-invasive method. It can help diagnose and manage conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Read on to know more.
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:
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:
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.
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.
Following is a list of things one should keep in mind before the test:
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:
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:
Parameter |
Normal Range |
Colour | Pale yellow to amber |
Appearance | Clear |
Odour | Mild |
pH | 4.6 to 8.0 |
Specific gravity | 1.005 to 1.030 |
Protein, Glucose, Ketones, Bilirubin and Leukocyte esterase | Negative |
Serum creatinine | 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL for women and 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL for men |
Creatinine clearance | 88 to 128 mL/min for women and 97 to 137 mL/min for men |
GFR | 140 for healthy adults |
Urine albumin | 0 to 8 mg/dL |
Albumin to creatinine ratio | <30 mg/gram |
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) | 7 to 20 mg/dL |
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.
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.
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Common kidney diagnostic tests feature blood investigations, including serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Furthermore, kidney biopsy and imaging tests such as ultrasound and CT scans are also conducted.
Urine tests for kidney function indicate the ability of kidneys to filter waste products from the blood and produce urine. The tests can reveal the presence of protein or other substances in the urine that may suggest kidney damage or disease.
The most preferred urine collection test time for best results may vary depending on the type of test being performed. In general, the first morning urine sample is preferred for urinalysis and urine culture because it is more concentrated and provides a better sample for analysis.
Yes, drinking water before a urine test is usually allowed. In fact, it is often recommended to drink plenty of fluids to ensure a good urine sample for a kidney check up test.
Fasting requirements for a urine test may vary depending on the specific test being performed. Some tests may require you to fast for several hours prior to the test, while others do not require any fasting.
Doctors recommend the use of first morning urine while providing samples to labs. First morning urine is preferred for urine tests because it is typically more concentrated and provides a more accurate representation of the body's waste products.
No, urinating at 3 am is generally not considered first morning urine, as it is too early and may not represent the first morning void. Notably, first morning urine is when you get up to start your day in the morning.
The time duration a urine test takes can vary depending on the type of test being performed. Simple tests, such as urinalysis, may only take a few minutes to complete, while more complex tests like urine culture or kidney function tests, may take several days to obtain results.
If there are kidney stones in the urine test sample, then your healthcare provider may order further tests. These may include imaging tests, which are conducted in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.
A normal urine test result typically shows no signs of infection or abnormal substances such as blood, glucose or protein. The colour and clarity of the urine are also normal.
A urine sample that may seem unusual or specifically different from regular urine components is considered to be abnormal. The presence of blood, glucose, ketones or bacteria is found in an abnormal urine test sample.
A dirty urine sample contains substances or cells that should not normally be present in urine. These contents can include substances such as bacteria, blood or protein.
Yes, a urine test can detect the presence of a kidney infection. It does so by showing the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, and other markers of inflammation or infection in the urine.
A urine culture is a test specifically designed to detect the presence of bacteria or other microorganisms in the urine. A positive urine culture may indicate the presence of a kidney infection.
Yes, a kidney disease can be detected by a urine test. The presence of blood, bacteria or other unusual substances in the urine may indicate kidney damage or disease.
Last Updated on: 14 March 2023
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