24-hour creatinine clearance test
Definition
The 24-hour creatinine clearance test measures the amount of creatinine cleared from the blood by the kidneys over a 24-hour period. It helps assess kidney function and diagnose potential renal issues.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Creatinine is a waste product generated from muscle metabolism and is typically filtered out by healthy kidneys.
- Patients must collect all urine for a full 24 hours to ensure accurate results.
- The test compares the amount of creatinine in urine with levels in the blood to evaluate kidney function.
- Low creatinine clearance can indicate impaired kidney function or chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Proper hydration and diet are essential for accurate test results, as dehydration or high protein intake can skew results.
Review Questions
- What does a low creatinine clearance level indicate about kidney function?
- Why is it important for patients to collect all urine during a 24-hour period for this test?
- How can diet and hydration levels affect the accuracy of a 24-hour creatinine clearance test?
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Related terms
GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate): A measure of how well the kidneys filter blood, often used alongside creatinine clearance tests.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A long-term condition characterized by gradual loss of kidney function over time.
Serum Creatinine: The level of creatinine in the blood, used to assess overall kidney health.
