eGFR - Calc. Creatinine Clearance

This test is a kidney function test; the creatinine clearance test assesses the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The glomeruli are tiny tubes in the kidney, which help to filter out waste products from the blood; the tubes act as filters as they also prevent important proteins and blood cells from being removed from the blood.

When is the test used?

The eGFR (estimated GFR) test is used to assess damage to the kidneys; it may also be used to monitor changes in the function of the kidneys in patients who have already been diagnosed with kidney disease.

The test is also now being used to test people who are at risk of developing kidney disease, including those with a family history of kidney disease, patients with diabetes, patients with blood vessel disease and those with heart disease.

How is the test performed?

Before the test, the doctor will take a note of the patient’s age, weight and gender (some doctors also note the patient’s race). They will use a blood sample taken from a vein in the arm, which contains serum creatinine. Measured creatinine clearance is then calculated using the levels of creatinine in the serum in the blood sample and the levels in the 24 hour urine sample.

What do the results show?

A normal result usually indicates that there is no damage to the kidney; however, a low value indicates that there may be damage to the kidney. In the very early stages of kidney disease, the results may be elevated; this is because the kidneys have to work harder than usual and the doctor will repeat the test periodically to monitor the individual’s condition.

Specific Blood Tests



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