The Kidney/Renal (KFT/RFT) panel, also known as a kidney profile or kidney function test (KFT), is a group of tests that help in determining the health of the kidneys by evaluating various parameters, like proteins, electrolytes, minerals, and blood glucose.
The most common components tested in most renal panels include:
• Blood Urea/Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): The blood urea nitrogen test is derived from the blood urea. Sometimes it is also called urea. Blood urea is a waste product of protein activity. Like creatinine, it is removed from the blood by the kidneys and cleared from the body in the form of urine.
• Creatinine: Creatinine is the by-product that is consistently formed as a result of normal muscle activity. The kidney removes creatinine from the blood so that it can be carried out of the body in the form of urine.
• Calcium: Calcium is a mineral that is very vital for the bones, muscles, cardiovascular system, and nervous system. An excess of calcium makes the kidneys work harder to filter it.
• Phosphorus: Phosphorus is a very essential mineral for the bones, teeth, nervous system, and muscles. Phosphorus is also needed to help balance and use other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, iodine, magnesium, and zinc. This phosphorus comes primarily from the foods and drinks that we consume.
• Uric Acid: Uric Acid test is to analyse a nitrogenous compound that is produced by the metabolic breakdown of purine. Uric acid is also formed from the metabolic breakdown of the same types of food, like red meat, seafood, beans, etc.
• Sodium: Sodium is an electrolyte that comes from the diet, and the levels of sodium (Na) in the body are mainly controlled by the kidneys.
• Potassium: Potassium plays a key role in a number of bodily processes, including nerve transmission, heart contractility, cellular transport, and normal kidney function. Potassium is a type of electrolyte. Electrolytes are minerals that enable the acid-base balance, healthy fluid levels, and proper functioning of muscles and nerves. Potassium comes from the diet and is found throughout the body.
• Chloride: Chloride is an electrolyte that works in conjunction with other electrolytes to carry out several functions, including preserving a healthy balance of fluids.