Our body depends on kidneys to perform certain essential functions such as balancing fluids, filtering waste, and maintaining our overall metabolic health. As per the Indian Medical Association, it has been estimated that above 90 crore people are suffering from kidney diseases.

The creatinine test identifies kidney dysfunction and also prevents major complications. This test indicates the levels of creatinine in the urine and blood, thereby permitting diagnosis of kidney function at an earlier stage.

On the other hand, a KFT test in Mumbai is a comprehensive panel that includes multiple kidney health-related tests, including creatinine and other markers to evaluate overall kidney function.

Understanding A Creatinine Test

This test is taken to monitor the functioning of kidneys and detect other kidney-related issues.

• This test is basically part of the kidney function test and routine health checkups, which are done together with a basic metabolic panel and blood urea nitrogen test.
• Individuals with certain symptoms can take the test, such as loss of appetite, fatigue, swelling of ankles, wrists, face, or lower back or abdomen pain, high blood pressure or abnormal urine patterns.
• People suffering from kidney diseases, such as bacterial infection, or other kidney problems, such as hypertension, diabetes, or dehydration, can take this test.
• This test is performed before certain surgeries to ensure the stability of your kidneys.

Importance Of Creatinine Test

The creatinine test is important for the many reasons given below:

• Diagnose kidney function

This test helps. Doctors diagnose the way your kidneys filter waste from the blood.

• Monitor chronic illness

Kidney-related issues may develop over time without quick and noticeable symptoms. This test can detect dysfunction of your kidneys at an early stage and prevent further damage.

• Evaluate effectiveness of treatments

For individuals undergoing kidney disease treatments, this test helps doctors track the effectiveness and progress of the treatment.

How Is The Creatinine Test Performed?

For the creatinine test, patients have to provide a urine sample and a blood sample. The test can be done over 24 hours, where individuals provide urine samples each time they pee. The healthcare provider then monitors the CR levels all over the day.

What Is The Kidney Function Test?

A kidney function test is a comprehensive test that includes blood and urine samples to evaluate the way your kidneys are working. Most of the kidney function tests measure how your glomeruli work. These are tiny filters present in your kidneys that clean the blood. The test helps in measuring how efficiently they are clearing waste from the blood.

When Should You Go For A Kidney Function Test?

Certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, affect how your kidneys work. If you have any of these conditions affecting your kidneys, you can search and compare KFT test price in Mumbai, and then book one to monitor your overall kidney health. Most of the common symptoms that indicate kidney problems and the need for a kidney function test are as follows:

• Foamy urine
• Blood in your urine
• Burning or pain when urinating
• Frequent need to urinate
• Less urination than expected
• Body swelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Types Of Kidney Function Tests

A kidney function test price in Mumbai may also depend on the number of tests you choose in a package. A KFT is a comprehensive panel, unlike a creatinine test, which is a single test, and includes multiple types of blood tests, such as:

• Estimated GFR

It is a test that measures your filtration rate based on your age, protein levels, height, sex, and weight.

• Blood urea nitrogen

The BUN test measures nitrogen in the blood. Protein creates nitrogen in your blood when it breaks down.

• Serum creatinine

This test monitors creatinine levels. If your muscle tissue breaks down, it ends up creating creatinine, which is a waste product.

Some of the additional kidney function tests include a 24 hour urine test that may be recommended by your healthcare provider, such as :

• Urinalysis

It is a test that evaluates your urine for proteins, blood, acidity, and the presence of tiny particles and crystals.

• Microalbuminuria

This test specifically monitors the protein albumin.

Conclusion

Both the creatinine test and the kidney function test monitor your kidney health. However, the difference between the two is that a creatinine test is a specific, focused test that only measures the amount of creatinine in your urine or blood. Its major purpose is to monitor how your kidneys filter waste. The kidney function test is a broader panel of several blood and urine tests. Its major purpose is to get a complete and clear picture of kidney efficiency, electrolyte levels and fluid balance.