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Kidney Function Test (KFT): Creatinine, Urea, and Uric Acid Explained

📅 Published: Apr 29, 2026 ⏱ 5 min read
Dr. Amit Verma, MD Pathology Written by: Dr. Amit Verma, MD | Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Anita Malhotra, MD (Pathologist)
₹ Quick Summary & Key Takeaways

Kidneys filter waste products from your blood. A KFT blood panel measures creatinine and urea levels to check if your kidneys are filtering waste efficiently.

Your kidneys work 24/7 to filter extra water and waste products out of your blood, producing urine. They also regulate blood pressure, maintain electrolyte balance, and produce hormones that control red blood cell production. If the kidneys are damaged or impaired, waste products can accumulate in the body. A Kidney Function Test (KFT) monitors this filtration efficiency.

Key Markers in a Kidney Function Test

  • Serum Creatinine: Creatinine is a chemical waste product created by muscle metabolism. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine out of the blood. Elevated blood creatinine levels indicate impaired kidney function.
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) / Urea: Urea is a byproduct of protein breakdown. Like creatinine, high urea levels suggest that the kidneys are not filtering blood effectively, or can be caused by dehydration.
  • Uric Acid: Created when the body breaks down purines (found in foods like red meat and alcohol). High uric acid can lead to gout (painful joint inflammation) or kidney stones.
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): An estimate of how much blood passes through the kidneys' filters each minute, calculated using your creatinine level, age, and gender.

Early Warning Signs of Kidney Dysfunction

Kidney disease is often called a 'silent condition' because early stages may have no symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms include:

  • Swelling (edema) in the ankles, feet, or face.
  • Changes in urination frequency or urine color (foamy or dark urine).
  • Persistent fatigue or difficulty concentrating.
  • Shortness of breath or high blood pressure that is hard to control.

How to Keep Kidneys Healthy

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps the kidneys clear sodium, urea, and toxins.
  2. Control Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure: Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of chronic kidney disease.
  3. Avoid NSAID Overuse: Frequent use of common painkillers (ibuprofen, diclofenac) can cause kidney damage.

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₹ Frequently Asked Questions

What does a high creatinine level mean? +
Creatinine is a waste product of muscle breakdown. High blood creatinine levels suggest that the kidneys' filtration efficiency is impaired, meaning waste is accumulating in the blood instead of being excreted in urine.
What is eGFR in a kidney function test? +
eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) calculates how well the kidneys filter waste per minute based on serum creatinine, age, gender, and body size. An eGFR above 90 is normal; levels below 60 indicate potential kidney disease.
How do diabetes and blood pressure affect kidney function? +
Uncontrolled blood sugar and high blood pressure gradually damage the tiny, delicate blood vessels (glomeruli) inside the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and reduced filtration capacity over time.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article, including text, graphics, images, and other materials, is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or clinical consultation. Always seek the advice of a qualified physician or certified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, dietary changes, or starting a new fitness or diagnostics regime. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.