Kidney/Renal Function Test (KFT/RFT) Gold Test
About Kidney/Renal Function Test (KFT/RFT) Gold Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Renal function test (RFT), kidney profile, renal panel, kidney panel, renal profile gold |
| Sample Type | Serum, whole blood |
| Fasting Required | No fasting is required for a standalone test. |
| Report Time | Same day |
| Recommended For | All adults, particularly those with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, or a family history of kidney disease |
| Price | Starting at ₹725 |
What Is a KFT/RFT Gold Test?
The KFT/RFT gold test is a complete panel that checks how well your kidneys are working. It combines a kidney blood panel and complete blood count (CBC) into one package. It is also called the renal function test, kidney profile, or renal panel. Doctors prescribe it to screen for kidney disease, monitor known conditions, or assess overall renal health.
What Does a KFT/RFT Gold Test Measure?
This panel analyses multiple markers from blood sample to provide a picture of how the kidneys are filtering waste and maintaining fluid balance. The key parameters measured are listed below.
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Serum Creatinine | A waste product used to assess how well the kidneys are filtering the blood. |
| Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) | The amount of nitrogen in the blood that comes from urea, a waste product formed when the body breaks down protein. |
| Urea | A waste product produced from protein metabolism that is normally removed from the blood by the kidneys. |
| Uric Acid | A waste product formed when the body breaks down purines, which is normally eliminated through the kidneys. |
| Calcium | The level of calcium in the blood, which is important for bone health, muscle function and nerve signalling. |
| Albumin | A major blood protein that helps maintain fluid balance and transports various substances through the bloodstream. |
| Globulin | A group of blood proteins involved in immune function and the transport of nutrients and other substances. |
| Total Protein | The combined amount of albumin and globulins in the blood, providing information about overall blood protein levels. |
| A/G Ratio | The ratio of albumin to globulins in the blood, which can provide additional information about protein balance. |
| Sodium | An electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, blood volume and nerve and muscle function. |
| Potassium | An electrolyte essential for normal muscle function, nerve signalling and heart rhythm. |
| Chloride | An electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance and supports normal acid-base balance in the body. |
Why Is a KFT/RFT Gold Test Done?
Doctors order this panel for several reasons, from initial screening to ongoing monitoring. The sections below cover the main situations where this test is recommended.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
- Swelling in the legs, feet, ankles, hands, or face
- Urinating more often or less often than usual
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Muscle cramps or twitching
- Changes in urine colour or unusual foaminess
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Acute kidney injury
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Hypertensive nephropathy
- Kidney infections
- Kidney stones
- Gout
- Electrolyte imbalances
KFT/RFT Gold Test During Pregnancy
Kidney function changes significantly during pregnancy. During pregnancy, kidney filtration naturally increases, causing serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels to be lower than in non-pregnant adults. Monitoring kidney function helps detect gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and other pregnancy-related kidney disorders early.
KFT/RFT Gold Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients with CKD, diabetes, or hypertension, regular KFT/RFT testing is essential to track how the kidneys are responding over time. Depending on the stage of CKD, testing may be required one to four times a year. This panel is also used to monitor kidney health in patients taking medications that can affect kidney function.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward, and the collection process is quick. The points below will help you feel ready on the day.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is needed for the KFT/RFT gold test on its own. However, if your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside this panel, such as blood sugar or lipid profile, fasting for 8 to 12 hours may be advised. Check with your doctor before your appointment.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Drink a normal amount of water before the test; do not over- or under-hydrate.
- Avoid eating red meat for at least 12 hours before the blood draw, as it can raise creatinine levels.
- Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking, especially NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or diclofenac), ACE inhibitors, antibiotics, or diuretics.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arm.
- Avoid strenuous exercise on the day before and the day of the test.
- If available, bring any previous kidney-related test results and relevant medical records, as these may help your doctor interpret the results more accurately.
Step-by-Step Procedure
This panel requires two types of samples: a blood sample (serum), and a whole blood sample, The process for each is described below:
Blood Sample Collection (Serum and Whole Blood):
- A trained phlebotomist will clean the skin on your inner arm with an antiseptic wipe.
- A small needle is inserted into a vein, and blood is drawn into two separate tubes (a yellow SST gel tube and a lavender EDTA tube).
- You may feel a brief sting when the needle is inserted; the draw usually takes under five minutes.
- The needle is removed, gentle pressure is applied, and a small bandage is placed on the site.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
- Dehydration, which can artificially raise creatinine and BUN levels.
- Eating red meat within 12 hours of the test, which can increase creatinine readings by up to 30%.
- Medications such as NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics.
- Strenuous physical exercise before the test.
- Pregnancy, unusually high or low muscle mass, and severe liver disease can affect the interpretation of kidney function results.
Understanding Your KFT/RFT Gold Test Results
Your results will cover multiple parameters, and values outside the normal range do not always indicate serious disease on their own. The table below shows general reference ranges for the key markers in this panel.
| Parameter | Typical Reference Range (Unit) | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Creatinine | Male: 0.74–1.35 mg/dL; Female: 0.59–1.04 mg/dL | Elevated levels may indicate reduced kidney filtration, although muscle mass and hydration can also affect creatinine levels. |
| Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) | 7–20 mg/dL | High levels may occur with reduced kidney function, dehydration or increased protein breakdown. |
| Urea | 15–40 mg/dL | Elevated levels may occur when the kidneys are less effective at removing urea from the blood, but can also be affected by hydration and protein intake. |
| Uric Acid | Male: 3.4–7.0 mg/dL; Female: 2.4–6.0 mg/dL | High levels may occur with gout, reduced kidney clearance or other conditions affecting uric acid metabolism. |
| Sodium (Na⁺) | 135–145 mmol/L | Helps assess fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. |
| Potassium (K⁺) | 3.5–5.0 mmol/L | Important for normal nerve, muscle and heart function. Abnormal levels can be significant, particularly when kidney function is impaired. |
| Chloride (Cl⁻) | 98–107 mmol/L | Helps maintain fluid balance and supports normal acid-base balance. |
| Calcium | 8.6–10.2 mg/dL | Important for bone health, nerve signalling and muscle function. Abnormal levels can be associated with several conditions, including kidney disorders. |
| Total Protein | 6.0–8.3 g/dL | Reflects the total amount of major proteins in the blood, primarily albumin and globulins. |
| Albumin | 3.5–5.0 g/dL | Helps maintain fluid balance and transport substances in the blood. Low levels may occur with kidney protein loss, liver disease, malnutrition or other conditions. |
| Globulin | 2.0–3.5 g/dL | Represents a group of proteins involved in immune function and the transport of various substances. |
| A/G Ratio | 1.0–2.2 | Indicates the balance between albumin and globulins and may help provide additional information about protein abnormalities. |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
- Pregnancy: Serum creatinine and urea are often lower due to increased kidney filtration. Uric acid may rise later in pregnancy.
- Diabetes: Long-term high blood sugar can damage the kidneys, causing creatinine to rise.
- Dehydration: Can temporarily increase BUN and creatinine levels.
- Age, Sex, and Muscle Mass: Normal creatinine levels vary by sex, age, and muscle mass.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
- Stay well hydrated unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- Keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control.
- Limit excess salt and highly processed foods.
- Follow medical advice on protein intake if you have kidney disease.
Lupin Diagnostics KFT/RFT Gold Test Price and Home Collection
This test is available at Lupin Diagnostics starting at ₹1,800, with home sample collection available across major cities. The city-wise price breakdown is provided below for your reference.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹900 |
| Bengaluru | ₹825 |
| Kolkata | ₹850 |
| Chennai | ₹790 |
| Hyderabad | ₹750 |
| Pune | ₹725 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your test online is simple. Follow these steps:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
KFT/RFT gold test home collection is available across cities, making it convenient to get tested without visiting a centre. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced professionals. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
KFT (Kidney Function Test) and RFT (Renal Function Test) refer to the same group of tests. "Renal" is simply the medical term for anything related to the kidneys. The two names are used interchangeably across labs in India.
No fasting is required for this test on its own. If your doctor has added fasting tests such as blood sugar or lipid profile to the same request, you may need to fast for 8 to 12 hours. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.
People with diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease may need regular testing. For many individuals, annual testing is recommended, while those with chronic kidney disease may require more frequent monitoring as advised by their doctor.
Yes. Certain medicines, including NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and some antibiotics, can affect kidney function test results. Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking before the test.
Yes. Eating red meat within 12 hours of the test can raise creatinine levels by as much as 30%. A high-protein diet can also push BUN higher than normal. Avoid red meat before your test and follow any dietary advice from your doctor.
The blood draw involves a brief sting when the needle is inserted, which most people find mild and short-lived. The entire process usually takes less than five minutes.
Kidney/Renal Function Test (KFT/RFT) Gold Test
