Overview:
What is this test?
This laboratory test is performed on a blood and urine sample to measure the amount of creatinine that has passed from the blood into the urine. Creatinine is a waste product of muscles formed by the breakdown of creatine; an amino acid that provides energy for muscle contraction. Creatinine is filtered by the kidney and excreted into the urine.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed:
- To help in the diagnosis of a kidney disease
- To help in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure
- To monitor the progress of treatment
- To evaluate the severity of the disease
- How to prepare for this test?
Overnight fasting is required before the test. Avoid consuming meat and inform your doctor about the use of all prescribed and non-prescribed medicines. Wear a short-sleeved shirt to aid the collection of sample and avoid contamination of the urine sample.
- Is it necessary to collect urine over 24-hours?
Yes, it is necessary to collect the entire urine over 24-hours period as it gives an average creatinine levels over the entire day.
- What should I do if I have skipped urine collection in 24 hours?
If you have skipped urine collection in between the 24-hour collection, inform your laboratory because the test may become invalid.
- What are the risks of this test?
- Collecting blood from a vein is a very easy procedure and pose only minimum risk, including:
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Lightheadedness
- Collecting urine is painless, it is like urinating normally.
- What are the symptoms of a kidney disease?
- Unexplained weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen ankles, hands, or feet
- Urinary frequency
- Cloudy urine
- Itchy skin
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
Normal range:
Males: 97-137 ml/min
Females: 88-128 ml/min
Interpretation of test results:
- Causes of decreased creatinine clearance:
- Kidney failure
- Kidney damage
- Kidney infections
- Kidney stones
- Heart failure
- Dehydration
- Bladder obstruction.
- Causes of increased creatinine clearance:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Pregnancy.
