Understanding your Kidney Function Tests (KFT / RFT) results
Kidney function tests, also called renal function tests (RFT), show how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood. Creatinine is a waste product from muscle that the kidneys clear, so it rises when filtration falls. eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) is calculated from creatinine, age and sex to estimate filtering capacity in mL/min/1.73m². BUN (blood urea nitrogen) is another waste marker. Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium reflect the kidneys' role in fluid and acid balance.
The ranges on this page are commonly quoted adult reference ranges. Laboratories set their own, so the range printed on your report is the one that applies to your result.
Commonly quoted adult reference ranges
>>>| Parameter | Reference range | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creatinine, men | 0.7–1.3 | mg/dL | |
| Creatinine, women | 0.6–1.1 | mg/dL | |
| BUN (blood urea nitrogen) | 7–20 | mg/dL | |
| BUN to creatinine ratio | 10–20 | ratio | |
| eGFR | > 90 | mL/min/1.73m² | Doctors group lower figures into stages |
What a high Kidney Function Tests (KFT / RFT) result can mean
Raised creatinine with a lower eGFR indicates reduced kidney filtration. How quickly the numbers change matters: a rise over days or weeks is called acute kidney injury and can follow dehydration, infection, some medicines or a blockage, while a slow rise over months or years is called chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is most often linked to diabetes or high blood pressure. Raised BUN with normal creatinine is often a sign of dehydration. High potassium (hyperkalaemia) can occur when kidney function is markedly reduced.
What a low Kidney Function Tests (KFT / RFT) result can mean
Low creatinine is usually seen in people with little muscle, such as older or undernourished people. In that situation creatinine can look normal even when kidney function is reduced, so a doctor may use a different marker, cystatin C. Low BUN can be seen with liver disease, a low-protein diet or a high fluid intake.
How a doctor reads the result
A doctor will usually interpret kidney tests alongside blood pressure, diabetes, medicines, fluid intake and earlier results, since the trend over time matters as much as a single value. eGFR is an estimate and is affected by muscle mass. Discuss the result with your doctor.
Follow-up a doctor may arrange
After an abnormal result, a doctor may repeat the tests, check a urine sample for protein (the albumin to creatinine ratio) and review your medicines. People with a persistently reduced eGFR are often referred to a kidney specialist (nephrologist).
Related tests
>>>Kidney Function Test (KFT/RFT): preparation and listed prices
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood. The KFT test is listed at AED 100 to AED 250 across 3 labs and services: AED 100 on the Healthchecks360 website, AED 120 on the Smart Care Polyclinic website (Dubai only) and AED 250 on the Unilabs website.
Sources: Prices on this page are the ones each lab or service publishes on its own website, read between 13 October 2026 and 7 November 2026. Zavis has published prices from 6 of the 13 labs and services it lists: of the other 7, 6 do not publish per-test prices and 1 website could not be read. The websites do not all say whether VAT or a collection fee is added to a listed price, so confirm the price with the lab before you book. How Zavis sources prices.
Listed prices for the KFT test, as each site names itFrequently asked questions
What are the commonly quoted reference ranges for Kidney Function Tests (KFT / RFT)?
Commonly quoted adult reference ranges are: Creatinine, men: 0.7–1.3 mg/dL; Creatinine, women: 0.6–1.1 mg/dL; BUN (blood urea nitrogen): 7–20 mg/dL; BUN to creatinine ratio: 10–20 ratio; eGFR: > 90 mL/min/1.73m². Laboratories set their own ranges, so the range printed on your report is the one that applies to your result.
What can a high Kidney Function Tests (KFT / RFT) result mean?
Raised creatinine with a lower eGFR indicates reduced kidney filtration. How quickly the numbers change matters: a rise over days or weeks is called acute kidney injury and can follow dehydration, infection, some medicines or a blockage, while a slow rise over months or years is called chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is most often linked to diabetes or high blood pressure. Raised BUN with normal creatinine is often a sign of dehydration. High potassium (hyperkalaemia) can occur when kidney function is markedly reduced.
Is fasting needed for Kidney Function Tests (KFT / RFT)?
No fasting is needed. Sample type: blood.
How often are Kidney Function Tests (KFT / RFT) results rechecked?
There is no single interval that suits everyone. A doctor can advise whether and how often to test, based on your health, any treatment and your earlier results.
Medical disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your full clinical picture, symptoms, and medical history. If you have concerns about your test results, always consult a licensed healthcare professional. Do not delay seeking medical advice or disregard professional medical guidance because of information on this page.