What Are the Tests for Kidney Failure?

🩺 Why Should You Test for Kidney Failure?

Your kidneys work quietly in the background — filtering blood, balancing fluids, and removing waste. But when they stop working properly, the damage can go unnoticed for months or even years.

That’s why regular testing is so important.

🔬 Key Tests to Detect Kidney Failure

Kidney failure — also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) — is usually diagnosed with a combination of blood, urine, and imaging tests.

Here’s what doctors use:

🧪 Blood Tests

1. eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
• Measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste
• Normal: 90+ mL/min/1.73 m²
• Less than 60 = Possible kidney disease
• Less than 15 = Kidney failure
2. Serum Creatinine
• A waste product from muscles; high levels suggest poor kidney function
3. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
• Measures urea, another waste product your kidneys should remove
4. Electrolyte Levels
• Tests sodium, potassium, and calcium — imbalances may indicate kidney issues

🚽 Urine Tests

1. Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (uACR)
• Detects tiny amounts of protein in urine — an early warning of kidney damage
2. Urinalysis
• Checks for blood, protein, white cells, or abnormal color/odor
3. 24-Hour Urine Collection
• Measures how much protein and creatinine your body loses in a day

🖥️ Imaging Tests

• Kidney Ultrasound
  Assesses kidney size, shape, and structure
• CT Scan / MRI
  Provides detailed images of kidneys to spot blockages or cysts
• Renal Scintigraphy
  Uses a radioactive tracer to track kidney function and blood flow

🧬 Kidney Biopsy (if needed)

In some cases, doctors may take a small tissue sample from your kidney to check for diseases like glomerulonephritis or diabetic nephropathy.

✅ Our Recommendation: Start with KFT

If you want to catch problems early, start with a simple Kidney Function Test (KFT) — it includes:

• Urea
• Creatinine
• Uric Acid
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Chloride

This one test can give a strong indication of your kidney health.

📅 How Often Should You Get Tested?

• If you’re under 45: Do a KFT once a year
• If you’re over 45: Get tested every 6 months

💡 And always make sure to get tested from a NABL-accredited lab for accurate and reliable results.

🧠 Final Word

Kidney problems are easier to prevent than to treat. The earlier you detect an issue, the better your chances of avoiding long-term damage.

📍Stay ahead of the problem — test regularly, stay hydrated, and consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms like swelling, fatigue, or frequent urination.