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Kidney Diagnostic Tests - Urine Test for Kidney Function, Results

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
Written by Charu Shrivastava, last updated on 14 March 2023| min read
Kidney Diagnostic Tests - Urine Test for Kidney Function, Results

Quick Summary

  • Kidneys are important for our body. They help filter waste products from the blood and regulate blood pressure.
  • A urine test can be used to assess kidney function. It can help diagnose and manage conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
  • If you are experiencing symptoms like difficulty in urination, blood in the urine, high blood pressure, etc., you should see a doctor to get a urine test.

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.

What is a Kidney Function Test?

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. 
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Importance of Kidney Function Test

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. 

How is the Kidney Function Test performed?

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. 

What to Expect Before and After the Kidney Function Test?

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. 

What Does a Kidney Function Test Measure?

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.

Normal Range and Results of a Urine Kidney Function Test

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.

Factors Affecting the Kidney Function Test

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.

Cost of a Urine Test for Kidney Function

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.

Conclusion

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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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

There are several types of urine tests for kidney function. These may include a urine culture test, urinalysis, serum creatinine test, blood urea nitrogen test (BUN) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
Kidney urine tests are used to screen for or diagnose kidney diseases. These tests monitor the progress of kidney diseases, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, and detect the presence of urinary tract infections or kidney stones.
A urine test can sometimes detect kidney stones by revealing the presence of blood or crystals in the urine. However, imaging tests such as CT scans or ultrasounds are more commonly used to diagnose kidney stones.
Initially, a kidney test may be done using a blood or urine sample. Moreover, kidney check up tests include ultrasound and CT scan.

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.

Whether or not you can eat before a urine test depends on the type of test being performed. In general, you should follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding any dietary restrictions or fasting requirements prior to the test.
Second morning urine refers to the urine sample collected after the first voiding in the morning, usually about 2-4 hours later. The sample is typically collected for kidney diagnostic tests.

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.

To collect a urine sample at home, you can use a sterile container provided by your healthcare provider. Start urinating in the toilet, then move the container under the urine stream to collect the sample.

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.

Interpreting kidney urine test results can vary depending on the type of test being performed. Results may be reported as normal or abnormal or as a specific value or range.

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.

Urine tests are one of the procedural steps taken to conduct a kidney diagnostic test. Therefore, yes, a urine test can indicate kidney failure by showing high creatinine levels, a waste product normally filtered out by kidneys.
The normal range of creatinine in urine varies depending on factors such as age, gender, and muscle mass. Generally, the normal range of creatinine in a 24-hour urine sample is from 0.74 to 1.35 mg/dL for men and 0.59 to 1.04 mg/dL for women.
The first signs of kidney problems may include changes in urination, such as increased frequency or difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, or foamy urine. Other signs may include swelling in the hands or feet, fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite.

Last Updated on: 14 March 2023

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational and learning purposes only. It doesn't cover every medical condition and might not be relevant to your personal situation. This information isn't medical advice, isn't meant for diagnosing any condition, and shouldn't replace talking to a certified medical or healthcare professional.

Reviewer

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES

12 Years Experience

Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More

Author

Charu Shrivastava

Charu Shrivastava

BSc. Biotechnology I MDU and MSc in Medical Biochemistry (HIMSR, Jamia Hamdard)

2 Years Experience

Skilled in SEO and passionate about creating informative and engaging medical content. Her proofreading and content writing for medical websites is impressive. She creates informative and engaging content that educ...View More

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