Renal Function Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Renal Function Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Kidney Function Test (KFT), RFT Test, Renal Panel, Kidney Profile |
| Sample Type | Venous blood and 24-hour urine sample |
| Fasting Required | Generally not required; doctor may advise fasting if other tests are added |
| Report Time | Same day to 24 hours |
| Recommended For | All adults, particularly those with diabetes, hypertension, or over 60 years of age |
| Price | Starting at ₹725 |
What Is a Renal Function Test?
A renal function test is a group of blood and urine tests that assess how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your body. Doctors commonly prescribe it to check for kidney-related problems or to monitor ongoing conditions. It is also called a kidney function test (KFT), RFT test, renal panel, or kidney profile. The samples collected usually include blood drawn from a vein in your arm along with a urine sample for analysis.
What Does a Renal Function Test Measure?
The kidney function test (KFT) examines several markers that together reflect kidney health. Here are the key parameters and what each one tells us:
| Parameter | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) | Measures how efficiently the kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood |
| Serum Creatinine | Measures the level of creatinine in the blood; high levels may indicate reduced kidney function |
| Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) | Measures the amount of nitrogen waste in the blood produced from protein metabolism |
| Microalbuminuria | Detects small amounts of albumin in urine, which may indicate early kidney damage |
| Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) | Evaluates protein leakage in urine to help identify kidney disease |
| Creatinine Clearance | Assesses how effectively the kidneys remove creatinine from the bloodstream |
| Urinalysis – Colour | Indicates hydration status and possible abnormalities in urine |
| Urinalysis – Appearance | Checks urine clarity to detect infections or other urinary conditions |
| Urinalysis – pH | Measures the acidity or alkalinity of urine |
| Urinalysis – Microscopic Examination | Detects cells, crystals, bacteria, or other substances in urine |
| Urinalysis – Dipstick Test | Screens for substances such as protein, glucose, and blood in urine |
| Urinalysis – Urine Culture | Identifies bacterial growth to diagnose urinary tract infections |
Why Is a Renal Function Test Done?
A kidney function test is ordered for a range of reasons, from investigating symptoms to routine monitoring in people with long-term conditions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may request a renal function test if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained swelling in the face, ankles, or feet
- Persistent fatigue or weakness without a clear cause
- Nausea or vomiting that does not resolve quickly
- Changes in urination, such as passing much more or much less urine than usual
- Foamy or blood-tinged urine
- Muscle cramps or pain
- Persistent itching of the skin
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The RFT test can assist in identifying a range of kidney and related conditions, including:
- Acute or chronic kidney disease and kidney failure
- Diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage caused by poorly controlled blood sugar)
- Hypertensive nephropathy (kidney damage linked to high blood pressure)
- Kidney stones and urinary tract obstructions
- Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney's filtering units)
- Electrolyte imbalances, including high potassium levels
Renal Function Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For people already diagnosed with conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, periodic kidney function testing is an essential part of disease management. Regular monitoring helps track how well the kidneys are responding to treatment and whether the condition is progressing. Guidelines generally recommend at least annual testing for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of heart disease, with more frequent testing as kidney disease advances.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for a renal panel is straightforward. Here is what you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is generally not required before a KFT test. However, if your doctor has added other tests to the panel, they may advise you to avoid food for a few hours beforehand. Always follow the specific instructions given by your doctor.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps can help ensure your kidney profile results are as accurate as possible:
- Drink adequate water before your test, unless your doctor advises otherwise; dehydration can affect certain kidney markers
- Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking, as some can alter results
- Avoid strenuous exercise the day before, as intense activity can temporarily raise creatinine levels
- Limit a very high-protein meal the night before, as this may influence BUN and creatinine readings
Step-by-Step Procedure
- The phlebotomist (blood collection professional) will ask you to sit comfortably and roll up your sleeve.
- An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make your veins more visible.
- The skin over the chosen vein is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
- A fine needle is inserted into the vein, and a small amount of blood is drawn into collection tubes.
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage or cotton pad is pressed over the puncture site.
- For urinalysis, you will be asked to collect urine over a 24-hour period in a special container provided by the laboratory.
- Your labelled blood and urine samples are sealed and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence your results. Be sure to mention any of the following to your doctor:
- Dehydration at the time of the test
- Recent intense physical exercise
- A very high-protein meal consumed shortly before the test
- Medications such as NSAIDs, certain antibiotics, or contrast dyes used in imaging
- Low muscle mass, which can affect creatinine-based calculations
- Improper collection or storage of the urine sample during a 24-hour urine test
Understanding Your Renal Function Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed together with your doctor, who will consider your overall health history, symptoms, and other test findings. The table below shows general reference ranges for the key parameters measured in a renal function test:
| Parameter | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) | Greater than 90 mL/min/1.73 m² |
| Serum Creatinine | 0.6–1.1 mg/dL in women and 0.7–1.3 mg/dL in men |
| Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) | 7–20 mg/dL |
| Microalbuminuria | Less than 30 mg |
| Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) | Less than 30 mg per gram |
| Creatinine Clearance | 88–128 mL/min in healthy women and 97–137 mL/min in healthy men |
The table below shows general reference ranges for each parameter measured in urinalysis:
| Parameter | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Colour | Colourless to yellow |
| Appearance | Clear or translucent |
| pH | 4.5–5.5 |
| Microscopic Examination | Negative |
| Dipstick Test | Negative |
| Urine Culture | Negative |
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
Certain circumstances can affect how results should be read:
- People with very high or very low muscle mass may get creatinine and eGFR readings that do not accurately reflect actual kidney function.
- Dehydration, recent vigorous exercise, certain medications, or eating a large portion of cooked meat before the test can temporarily alter eGFR values.
- Some medications, including certain antibiotics, NSAIDs, and imaging contrast dyes, can temporarily affect multiple kidney markers.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general wellness habits support kidney health over the long term:
- Keep blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol within your target ranges through diet, activity, and regular check-ups
- Stay well hydrated throughout the day; adequate water intake supports the kidneys in flushing waste efficiently
- Reduce salt intake, limit excessive protein consumption, and avoid long-term use of medications that can stress the kidneys
Lupin Diagnostics Renal Function Test Price and Home Collection
The renal function test price at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹725, and home sample collection is available across cities. The table below gives an overview of approximate prices in key locations across India:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹900 |
| Bengaluru | ₹825 |
| Kolkata | ₹850 |
| Chennai | ₹790 |
| Hyderabad | ₹750 |
| Pune | ₹725 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- 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
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for the kidney function test in multiple cities. A trained phlebotomist visits your home at your chosen time to collect the blood sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is shared directly via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The KFT test (kidney function test) and the RFT test (renal function test) refer to the same group of tests. "Renal" is simply the medical term for anything related to the kidneys. Both names describe tests that measure how efficiently the kidneys filter waste from the blood.
Fasting is generally not required before a renal function test. However, if your doctor has combined it with other tests, you may be asked to avoid eating for a few hours. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor or the laboratory.
People with diabetes are advised to get tested at least once a year. Those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney problems should discuss the right frequency with their doctor. Healthy adults can include it as part of an annual check-up.
An eGFR below 60 may indicate kidney disease, and a reading below 15 points to very limited kidney function. However, a single result is rarely enough for a diagnosis. Your doctor will consider it alongside other test values, symptoms, and your medical history before drawing any conclusions.
If the cause is a short-term condition such as dehydration or an infection, kidney function can often recover once that underlying issue is treated. When the cause is a long-term condition such as chronic kidney disease, the change is usually permanent, though progression can often be slowed with the right management. Your doctor is the right person to advise you on the next steps.
Staying well hydrated, keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control, eating less salt, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking all contribute to better kidney health. It is also wise to use anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) only when necessary, as regular use can affect the kidneys over time.
Renal Function Test: Booking, Price, and Results
