Creatinine Clearance Test

The Creatinine Clearance Test is a measure of how effectively your kidneys are filtering creatinine (a waste product) from your blood. It usually involves collecting urine over 24 hours and a blood sample.

This test is important for evaluating kidney function, monitoring progression of kidney diseases, determining medication dosages, and assessing how certain conditions or treatments affect the kidneys.

You will be asked to collect all your urine for 24 hours in a special container. A blood sample will also be taken. The laboratory will analyze creatinine levels in both the urine and blood.

No special diet is needed, but it’s important to avoid intense physical activity for 24 hours before and during urine collection as it can affect creatinine levels.

A creatinine clearance rate that falls within the normal range indicates healthy kidney function. A lower rate may suggest that the kidneys are not filtering creatinine efficiently, which could be due to kidney disease or another condition.

Yes, certain medications can affect creatinine levels in the blood and urine. Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking.

There are no significant risks associated with urine collection. For the blood sample, there is minimal risk, such as slight pain or bruising at the site where the needle was inserted.

Factors that can affect the results include muscle mass, age, gender, diet, medications, and physical activity.

Consult your primary care doctor if your test results are abnormal. You may be referred to a nephrologist for further evaluation.

The frequency of testing depends on the reason for monitoring. Patients with chronic kidney disease or on medications affecting the kidneys may need frequent monitoring.

Yes, urine collection is typically done at home. You will be given a container to collect your urine over 24 hours. However, the blood sample must be taken at a healthcare facility.

Normal ranges can vary, but generally, the creatinine clearance rate is about 95-120 mL/min for healthy men and about 75-115 mL/min for healthy women.

They are similar but not the same. Creatinine clearance is an estimate of GFR. GFR considers more factors and is a more precise measure of kidney function.

If creatinine clearance is too low, it means that the kidneys are not filtering creatinine efficiently. This can be a sign of kidney disease or another condition affecting the kidneys.

The Creatinine Clearance Test is an important diagnostic tool for assessing kidney function. It involves collecting urine over a 24-hour period and having a blood sample taken. The test is especially vital for individuals with kidney diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, or those on medications that affect the kidneys. Regular monitoring and consultation with your doctor are crucial for maintaining kidney health and managing any underlying conditions effectively.