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

1. Creatinine is a waste product generated from muscle metabolism and is typically filtered out by healthy kidneys.
2. Patients must collect all urine for a full 24 hours to ensure accurate results.
3. The test compares the amount of creatinine in urine with levels in the blood to evaluate kidney function.
4. Low creatinine clearance can indicate impaired kidney function or chronic kidney disease (CKD).
5. 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?

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.