Renal Function Test (RFT)

Learn about the Renal Function Test (RFT), a group of blood and urine tests used to evaluate the function of the kidneys. Download our free RFT test template today!

By Audrey Liz Perez on Apr 08, 2024.

Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.

Use Template

What is a Renal Function Test?

is a group of blood and urine tests performed to evaluate the function of the kidneys. The kidneys are vital in filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood, maintaining electrolyte balance, and regulating blood pressure. RFT includes several tests that assess various aspects of kidney function, such as Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Serum Creatinine, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), and Urinalysis.

RFT is a crucial tool for evaluating kidney function and detecting kidney disease at an early stage. Kidney disease can be asymptomatic in its early stages, and by the time symptoms appear, the disease may have progressed significantly.

Regular RFT tests can help healthcare providers identify kidney disease in its early stages and take appropriate measures to manage and treat it. Proper management of kidney disease can improve patient outcomes and prevent or delay the need for more invasive treatments, such as dialysis or kidney transplant.

Overall, RFT is essential in maintaining the health and well-being of patients with kidney disease.

Printable Renal Function Test

Download this Renal Function Test to evaluate the function of the kidneys.

How does this printable RFT test work?

Our printable RFT test template provides a structured format for healthcare providers to record the results of the RFT. The steps involved in using/filling the template include the following:

Step 1

Collect a blood sample from a vein in the arm using a needle and syringe for BUN and Serum Creatinine tests.

  • The healthcare provider should select an appropriate vein and sterilize the area with alcohol or antiseptic solution.
  • The healthcare provider should insert a needle into the vein and withdraw a blood sample using a syringe.
  • The blood sample should be collected in a sterile container or tube and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Step 2

Use a formula that considers the patient's age, gender, race, and serum creatinine level to estimate GFR.

  • The healthcare provider should input the patient's age, gender, and race into a GFR calculation formula, such as the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation or the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation.
  • The healthcare provider should also input the patient's serum creatinine level from the blood sample collected in Step 1.
  • The formula will calculate the estimated GFR (eGFR), which measures how well the kidneys are functioning.

Step 3

Collect a clean catch midstream urine sample in a sterile container for the Urinalysis test.

  • The healthcare provider should provide the patient with a sterile container for collecting the urine sample.
  • The healthcare provider should instruct the patient to clean the genital area with a sterile wipe and to discard the first part of the urine stream to avoid contamination.
  • The patient should then collect a midstream urine sample in the sterile container and return it to the healthcare provider.

Step 4

Record the results of each test in the appropriate column of the template.

  • The healthcare provider should record the results of each test, including BUN, Serum Creatinine, eGFR, and Urinalysis, in the appropriate column of the RFT test template.
  • The template may also include additional columns for recording patient information, such as name, date of birth, and gender.

Step 5

Interpret the test results to evaluate the function of the kidneys and diagnose any kidney damage or disease.

  • The healthcare provider should interpret the test results to evaluate the function of the kidneys and diagnose any kidney damage or disease.
  • Abnormal test results may indicate kidney damage or disease, and further evaluation or treatment may be necessary.

By following these steps, healthcare providers can use our printable RFT test template to evaluate kidney function in patients and diagnose any kidney damage or disease.

RFT test example (sample)

We have provided a sample RFT test template with a sample diagnosis to assist healthcare providers in interpreting test results.

By providing a sample RFT test template with a sample diagnosis, we hope to assist healthcare providers in interpreting test results and diagnosing kidney damage or disease. 

However, it is important to note that the specific instructions and reference ranges may vary depending on the laboratory and the patient's circumstances. Healthcare providers should always refer to the laboratory's guidelines and consult with a nephrologist or other specialist if they have any questions or concerns about the test results.

Download this Renal Function Test Example (Sample) here:

RFT test example (sample)

When to use these RFT test forms?

RFT test forms should be used when evaluating kidney function in patients. Healthcare providers may order RFT tests as part of routine check-ups to screen for kidney disease or to monitor the progression of kidney disease. RFT may also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for kidney disease.

Routine Check-ups

RFT forms may be ordered as part of a routine check-up for patients at higher risk for developing kidney disease. This may include individuals with a family history of kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions affecting kidney function. Early detection of kidney disease through RFT forms can help prevent or delay further damage and improve patient outcomes.

Screening for Kidney Disease

RFT forms may also be used to screen for kidney disease in patients who have risk factors or symptoms of kidney disease. Risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and a family history of kidney disease. Symptoms of kidney disease may include fatigue, swelling in the legs or feet, decreased urine output, and high blood pressure.

Monitoring Progression of Kidney Disease

RFT forms may be used to monitor the progression of kidney disease and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Healthcare providers may order RFT forms regularly to track changes in kidney function over time and adjust treatment plans as needed. In patients with chronic kidney disease, RFT forms can help prevent or delay the progression of kidney damage and improve overall health outcomes.

In summary, RFT forms are an essential tool for evaluating kidney function in patients. Healthcare providers may use RFT forms for routine check-ups, to screen for kidney disease, or to monitor the progression of kidney disease. Early detection and treatment of kidney disease can help prevent or delay further damage and improve patient outcomes.

Who is this RFT test PDF for?

This RFT test PDF is for healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who need to evaluate kidney function in patients. It may also be helpful for medical students and researchers who want to learn more about kidney function and disease.

The Renal Function Test (RFT) PDF is designed primarily for healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who need to evaluate kidney function in patients. RFT is a valuable tool for monitoring kidney function in patients with kidney disease or other conditions affecting kidney function. Accurate interpretation of RFT results is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease.

Medical students and researchers may also find the RFT PDF useful for learning about kidney function and disease. The PDF provides a structured format for recording RFT test results and interpreting them, which can help students and researchers better understand the information provided by the RFT. It can also be a valuable reference tool for future research or clinical practice.

Overall, the RFT PDF is a valuable resource for healthcare providers, medical students, and researchers who want to learn more about kidney function and disease and accurately evaluate kidney function in patients.

Electronic Health Records Software Feedback

Why use this RFT test app?

The Carepatron platform is a comprehensive healthcare app that offers many features, including RFT test templates, for healthcare providers. The RFT test templates are designed to be user-friendly, customizable, and accessible from any device, making it easy for healthcare providers to document and manage patient information.

One of the main benefits of using the Carepatron platform for RFT testing is that it provides a centralized location for all patient information, including RFT test results. This can save healthcare providers time and reduce the risk of errors when managing patient information across multiple platforms or paper-based records.

Another benefit of using the Carepatron platform for RFT testing is the customizable nature of the platform. Healthcare providers can create templates that suit their needs and preferences, allowing for more efficient and effective record-keeping. Additionally, the platform can be tailored to meet the needs of different types of healthcare providers, from individual practitioners to large medical practices.

Carepatron is committed to providing high-quality resources and tools to help healthcare providers deliver the best possible care to their patients. The RFT test templates are just one of many resources available on the platform, which includes features such as appointment scheduling, patient messaging, and medical billing. 

The platform is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, so healthcare providers can focus on providing the best care to their patients rather than spending time on administrative tasks.

Electronic Health Records Software
Who created the RFT test?
Who created the RFT test?

Commonly asked questions

Who created the RFT test?

The Renal Function Test (RFT) is a standardized medical test developed and refined over many years by medical professionals and researchers in nephrology.

How to use the RFT test?

The RFT test involves a series of blood and urine tests performed in a laboratory or hospital. Healthcare providers should follow the specific instructions provided by the laboratory and consult with a nephrologist or other specialist if they have any questions or concerns about the test results.

What does RFT test for?

The RFT test evaluates various aspects of kidney function, including filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood, maintaining electrolyte balance, and regulating blood pressure. The specific tests in the RFT may vary but typically include Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Serum Creatinine, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), and Urinalysis. Abnormal test results may indicate kidney damage or disease.

Join 10,000+ teams using Carepatron to be more productive

One app for all your healthcare work