Kidney Function Test (KFT/RFT) — Creatinine, Urea & eGFR Explained

Q: What is a kidney function test (KFT/RFT)?

A kidney function test — written as KFT or RFT (renal function test) — is a blood test panel that checks how well your kidneys are filtering waste. It typically measures creatinine, blood urea (or BUN), eGFR, uric acid, and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. It is used to detect and monitor chronic kidney disease, especially in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. In Pakistan, a KFT panel costs around Rs. 1,500-3,000.

Q: What is the normal creatinine level?

Normal serum creatinine is about 0.7-1.3 mg/dL for men and 0.6-1.1 mg/dL for women. Creatinine is a waste product cleared by healthy kidneys, so a high creatinine usually means the kidneys are not filtering well. Because creatinine depends on muscle mass, doctors also calculate eGFR for a more accurate picture of kidney function.

Q: What does a high creatinine or low eGFR mean?

A high creatinine and a low eGFR both suggest reduced kidney function. An eGFR above 90 is normal, 60-89 is mildly reduced, 30-59 indicates moderate chronic kidney disease, 15-29 is severe, and below 15 is kidney failure. A single mildly abnormal result can be caused by dehydration, so doctors usually repeat the test and look at the trend before diagnosing chronic kidney disease.

Q: How can I keep my kidneys healthy in Pakistan?

The biggest causes of kidney damage in Pakistan are uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure, so controlling blood sugar and BP is the most important step. Also stay well hydrated, avoid overuse of painkillers (NSAIDs) and unverified herbal or hakeem remedies that can harm the kidneys, limit excess salt, and get a KFT test at least once a year if you are diabetic or hypertensive.

A kidney function test (KFT, also called RFT — renal function test) checks how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. It is one of the most important tests for anyone with diabetes or high blood pressure — the two leading causes of kidney disease in Pakistan. This guide explains creatinine, urea, eGFR, and the rest of your report in plain language.

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What Does a KFT/RFT Report Contain?

Test	Normal Range (Adults)	What It Measures
Serum Creatinine	Male: 0.7-1.3 mg/dL Female: 0.6-1.1 mg/dL	Waste product filtered by the kidneys
Blood Urea	15-40 mg/dL	Waste from protein breakdown
BUN	7-20 mg/dL	Blood urea nitrogen (another urea measure)
eGFR	Above 90 mL/min	Estimated filtration rate — best overall measure
Uric Acid	Male: 3.4-7.0 mg/dL Female: 2.4-6.0 mg/dL	Waste linked to gout and stones
Sodium (Na)	135-145 mEq/L	Key electrolyte for fluid balance
Potassium (K)	3.5-5.1 mEq/L	Electrolyte vital for heart rhythm

Understanding Your Results

Creatinine and eGFR — The Key Pair

Creatinine is a waste product that healthy kidneys clear easily, so a high creatinine means the kidneys are struggling. Because creatinine depends on muscle mass, the lab calculates eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) for a more accurate picture.

eGFR (mL/min)	Stage	What It Means
90 or above	Normal	Healthy kidney function
60-89	Mildly reduced	Usually normal if no other signs
30-59	Moderate CKD (Stage 3)	Needs monitoring and management
15-29	Severe CKD (Stage 4)	Specialist (nephrologist) care
Below 15	Kidney failure (Stage 5)	Dialysis or transplant may be needed

  Don't panic over one result. A single mildly raised creatinine is often caused by dehydration. Doctors repeat the test and watch the trend before diagnosing chronic kidney disease — this is exactly where tracking your results over time helps.

Urea / BUN

Urea rises when kidney function drops, but also with dehydration, a high-protein diet, or bleeding in the gut. It is most useful when read alongside creatinine.

Uric Acid

High uric acid can cause gout (painful joints, often the big toe) and kidney stones. It is common in Pakistan due to rich, meat-heavy diets.

Potassium — The One to Watch

Potassium must stay in a tight range. Both very high and very low potassium can disturb the heart's rhythm, so a markedly abnormal potassium is treated as urgent.

Common Patterns Doctors Look For

Pattern	What It Suggests	Next Steps
High Creatinine + Low eGFR	Reduced kidney function / CKD	Repeat test, urine test, control BP and sugar
High Urea + Normal Creatinine	Often dehydration	Rehydrate, recheck
High Uric Acid	Gout / stone risk	Diet change, possible medication
High Potassium	Can affect heart rhythm	Urgent medical review

How Much Does a KFT Cost in Pakistan?

Lab	Approximate Price (2026)
Chughtai Lab	Rs. 2,000-3,000
Agha Khan Laboratory	Rs. 2,500-3,500
Excel Labs	Rs. 1,500-2,500
IDC / local labs	Rs. 1,200-2,000

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a kidney function test (KFT/RFT)?

A kidney function test (KFT or RFT) checks how well your kidneys filter waste. It measures creatinine, urea/BUN, eGFR, uric acid, and electrolytes. It is key for people with diabetes or high blood pressure and costs around Rs. 1,500-3,000 in Pakistan.

What is the normal creatinine level?

Normal creatinine is about 0.7-1.3 mg/dL for men and 0.6-1.1 mg/dL for women. A high creatinine usually means the kidneys are not filtering well. Doctors also use eGFR for a more accurate picture.

What does a high creatinine or low eGFR mean?

Both suggest reduced kidney function. An eGFR above 90 is normal; 30-59 indicates moderate chronic kidney disease; below 15 is kidney failure. A single mildly abnormal result can be from dehydration, so the test is usually repeated.

How can I keep my kidneys healthy in Pakistan?

Control diabetes and blood pressure, stay hydrated, avoid overusing painkillers and unverified herbal remedies, limit salt, and get a yearly KFT if you are diabetic or hypertensive.