A creatinine clearance test is performed to assess the proper functioning of the kidneys. The test utilizes both urine and blood samples. Creatinine, a waste byproduct, produced by normal muscle activity, enters the blood and gets transferred to the kidneys. The kidneys then eliminate creatinine from the body through the urine.
A creatinine clearance test compares the amount of creatinine in the urine and blood. This comparison provides information that helps doctors know how properly the kidneys filter the blood. The main uses of the test include the detection and monitoring of kidney problems. Therefore, the test proves to be very effective in the evaluation of kidney function and the efficiency of filtration.
What is the Creatinine Clearance Test used for?
Generally, the creatinine clearance test is used to evaluate kidney function and to detect and monitor any presence of kidney diseases. But the test is also used to determine the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which describes how well the kidneys filter the blood. It is also used to assess how well the treatment for kidney disease is working.
Understanding the test results of the Creatinine Clearance Test
Normal values:
Males - 97 to 137 mL/min or 1.65 to 2.33 mL/s
Females - 88 to 128 mL/min or 1.496 to 2.18 mL/s
An abnormally low creatinine clearance test result can be a sign of impaired kidney function or reduced glomerular filtration rate. Your doctor will assess the report and advise you accordingly.
Book an appointment to get a free second opinion at Yashoda Hospitals.
Why do I need a Creatinine Clearance Test?
If you are at risk of having kidney problems, you require a creatinine clearance test. For example, people who are on medications that affect their kidneys may need this test. One may also need this test to determine kidney disease earlier in people with a family history of kidney disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
What happens during the Creatinine Clearance Test?
During the Creatinine Clearance Test, two separate samples (blood and urine) are taken. For a blood sample, blood is taken from your arm’s vein in a hospital or a laboratory. For a urine sample, one has to personally collect his/her urine in special containers over a 24-hour period.
What is a normal creatinine clearance level?
Normal values for
The normal value for GFR is 90 or above.
In addition to the creatinine clearance, the report may also list other measurements including serum creatinine, urine creatinine, and urine volume.
What level of creatinine clearance indicates kidney failure?
A creatinine clearance level of greater than 1.4 for men and greater than 1.2 for women may be an early sign that the kidneys are not working properly. Once the GFR decreases below 15, one is at high risk for kidney failure and may need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Your doctor will advise you once the report suggests such values.
What is the normal creatinine clearance test range in pregnancy?
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increases and peaks at about the 13th week of pregnancy. Therefore, the creatinine level decreases during pregnancy. The average normal creatinine clearance test range in pregnancy is 0.4 to 0.8 mg/dl. Although this value differs from individual to individual and the weeks of pregnancy, it is better to consult your doctor for a creatinine clearance test during pregnancy.
How should I prepare for the test?
Your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop any medications that may affect the test results. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take to avoid any complications and understand all the uses of the test. They may also instruct fasting overnight or restrict from eating meat, as it may temporarily elevate the creatinine levels in the body.
Are there any side effects or risks to the test?
There is minimal or no risk involved with having your blood taken for this test. Some of the little risks include excessive bleeding, feeling lightheaded, infection, or multiple punctures to locate veins. Talk to your doctor about these side effects or risks before undergoing the test. Book An Appointment & Get a free second opinion at Yashoda Hospitals.
Is creatinine clearance the same as GFR?
No, creatinine clearance and GFR are totally different. Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) is the rate at which creatinine (a waste) is “cleared” from the blood by the kidneys while glomerular filtration rate (GFR) refers to the flow rate of filtered fluid through the kidney. Also, Creatinine clearance is slightly higher than GFR. Both are not the same.
Yashoda Hospitals is committed to providing world-class treatment for patients from across the globe. With the unique combination of state-of-the-art technology, intuitive care, and clinical excellence, we are the healthcare destination for thousands of international patients in India.
On the journey to good health, we understand that it is important for you to feel at home. We plan out all aspects of your trip.
Experienced specialists perform non-invasive and minimally invasive surgeries to provide the best treatment for international patients.
Our hospitals are equipped with advanced technology to perform a wide range of procedures and treatments.
We deliver excellence by delivering quick and efficient healthcare and through pioneering research that helps all our future.patients.