RENAL FUNCTION TESTS (RFTs)
PREPARED BY MR. ABHIJIT DAS
These are tests to check how well kidneys are working.
1. BUN Test (Blood Urea Nitrogen): Measures the level of urea nitrogen in blood, reflecting how well kidneys are filtering waste products. Normal range: 7-20 mg/dL. Elevated levels may indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration.
2. Creatinine Test: Assesses the level of creatinine in blood, indicating how efficiently kidneys are removing waste products. Normal range: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL for adult males, 0.5-1.1 mg/dL for adult females. Elevated levels can suggest kidney dysfunction.
3. GFR Test (Glomerular Filtration Rate): Determines how effectively your kidneys are filtering waste from the blood per minute. Normal range: Above 120 mL/min. A lower GFR may indicate kidney damage or dysfunction.
4. Urine Analysis:
· Visual Color and Clarity: Observes the color and clarity of urine, which can indicate hydration status and potential health issues. Normal color: Pale yellow to amber; normal clarity: Clear.
· Dipstick Test: Uses a chemical strip to detect abnormalities in urine, such as the presence of blood, protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, and nitrites. Abnormal results may suggest various kidney or urinary tract conditions.
· Microscopic Examination: Examines urine sediment under a microscope to detect cells, crystals, bacteria, or other substances not visible to the naked eye. Normal findings include few to no red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells, and crystals.
5. Kidney Imaging Test (CT/MRI): Imaging techniques used to visualize the kidneys and surrounding structures. These tests can identify abnormalities such as tumors, cysts, or kidney stones that may affect kidney function.