Creatinine with eGFR (18 Years & Above)
Understanding Creatinine with eGFR (18 Years & Above)
What is Creatinine with eGFR (18 Years & Above)?
In this test, serum creatinine is measured in the blood, and the glomerular filtration rate is estimated using the 2021 CKD-EPI creatinine equation for estimating GFR in adults (above 18 years). The eGFR is a calculation used to estimate how well your kidneys are filtering waste produced by your body. It is used to estimate kidney function especially in people who are at higher risk of developing kidney disease. This test is done in people who suffer from chronic kidney disease(CKD), hypertension,obesity, and diabetes.
The Creatinine with eGFR (18 Years & Above) test is an important component of kidney function assessments as it provides useful information about the efficiency of kidney performance. Creatinine is a waste product produced from the normal breakdown of muscles. It is filtered out from the blood by the kidneys and eliminated via the urine. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measures how well the kidneys are filtering out the waste products from the body per minute, based on your age and gender.
The Creatinine with eGFR (18 Years & Above) test provides a more comprehensive assessment of kidney function and is a more accurate way to measure kidney health than a standalone creatinine test. This test is often performed when individuals experience symptoms of kidney dysfunction such as urinary changes, swelling in the feet, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Also, testing for serum creatinine and eGFR is critical for individuals who have chronic kidney disease or are at risk of developing it. It helps doctors to stage the level of kidney disease and decide on the appropriate management or treatment. It is also used to monitor individuals who have been diagnosed with other conditions that could affect the kidneys, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Thus regular monitoring of creatine along with eGFR is essential for identifying and managing kidney-related diseases.
Usually, no special preparation is needed before undergoing the Creatinine with eGFR (18 Years & Above) test. But, it is still advised to follow your doctor's instructions closely. Additionally, it is important to tell your doctor about any medications and supplements you are taking as certain medications can temporarily affect your test results.
Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The results will help the doctor determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your kidney health and formulate your overall treatment plan.
What is Creatinine with eGFR (18 Years & Above) used for?
The Creatinine with eGFR (18 Years & Above) test is done:
- To evaluate kidney function and detect any disease or disorder of the kidneys.
- If you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
- To monitor treatment response of kidney disease.
- To determine drug dosages and monitor potential kidney toxicity that may be caused by certain medications.
- To evaluate baseline kidney function before surgeries or medical procedures.
What does Creatinine with eGFR (18 Years & Above) measure?
Contains 2 testsThe Creatinine with eGFR (18 Years & Above) test measures two different parameters of the kidney function test: Creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate in the blood. Creatinine is a byproduct of muscles’ wear and tear during energy production. The kidneys remove creatinine from the body by filtering it from the blood and releasing it into the urine. Therefore, blood creatinine levels are an indicator of how well the kidneys are functioning in filtering and removing waste products from the blood. On the other hand, eGFR numerates how much blood passes through the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood, each minute.
Creatinine levels in conjunction with estimated glomerular filtration rate along with other factors such as age, gender, and body size provide a more comprehensive indicator of kidney function.
eGFR
The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test is a critical measurement used to assess kidney function by estimating the rate at which blood is filtered through the glomeruli, the tiny structures in the kidneys responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream. It provides a numerical value that indicates how effectively the kidneys are performing this essential filtration process. A normal eGFR suggests healthy kidney function, while a lower eGFR may indicate reduced kidney function, which can be indicative of various conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes-related kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy), hypertension-related kidney damage, or other kidney disorders. eGFR is typically calculated using a formula that takes into account factors such as age, gender, race, and serum creatinine levels—a waste product from muscle activity that the kidneys remove from the blood. Doctors use eGFR results to diagnose kidney disease, assess its severity, monitor progression over time, and determine appropriate treatment strategies to manage and potentially slow the decline in kidney function. Regular monitoring of eGFR is crucial for individuals at risk of kidney disease or those with pre-existing conditions to ensure early detection and timely intervention, thereby optimizing kidney health and overall well-being.
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Serum Creatinine
The Serum Creatinine test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a byproduct of muscles’ wear and tear during energy production. The kidneys remove it from the body by filtering it from the blood and releasing it into the urine. Therefore, blood creatinine levels indicate how well the kidneys are functioning in filtering and removing waste products from the blood. Generally, higher creatinine levels in the blood may indicate reduced kidney function, while lower levels may suggest decreased muscle mass.
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