Name of the Procedure:

Creatinine Clearance Technical Terms: Creatinine Clearance Test, Renal Clearance Test

Summary

A Creatinine Clearance test measures how well your kidneys are removing creatinine from your blood. Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles and excreted by the kidneys.

Purpose

• Medical Condition: This test evaluates kidney function.
• Goals: To determine whether the kidneys are working properly by measuring the rate at which they clear creatinine from the blood into the urine.

Indications

• Symptoms of kidney dysfunction such as swelling, fatigue, high blood pressure, or changes in urine output.
• Conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI).
• Monitoring kidney function in patients on medications that may affect the kidneys.

Preparation

• Drink fluids as directed to avoid dehydration.
• Avoid heavy exercise prior to the test, as it can increase creatinine levels.
• Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking, as some may need to be paused or adjusted.

Procedure Description

1. Urine Collection: Collect all urine passed in a 24-hour period in a special container provided by the healthcare provider.
2. Blood Sample: A blood sample will also be taken, usually at the end of the 24-hour urine collection period.
3. The samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis to measure the amount of creatinine in the blood and urine.

• Tools and Equipment: Urine collection container, blood collection materials.
• Anesthesia/Sedation Details: Not applicable, as this is a non-invasive test.

Duration

The urine collection spans a full 24 hours. The blood draw takes only a few minutes.

Setting

• The urine collection is done at home.
• The blood sample is typically drawn at a lab, doctor's office, or outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Healthcare provider or nurse to provide instructions and materials for urine collection.
• Phlebotomist or nurse to draw the blood sample.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minor discomfort or bruising at the blood draw site.
• Rare Risks: Infection at the site of blood draw, fainting or feeling lightheaded during blood draw.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Helps in diagnosing, monitoring, and managing kidney conditions.
• Realization: Results are typically available within a few days, guiding further medical treatment.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: No specific care is required following this test.
• Recovery Time: N/A as this is a non-invasive procedure.
• Restrictions/Follow-ups: Follow any additional instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) test, Serum creatinine test.
• Pros and Cons: eGFR and serum creatinine tests are quicker but may not be as accurate in certain cases as the 24-hour urine collection.

Patient Experience

• During: The urine collection process is simple but requires careful compliance over 24 hours.
• After: There is minimal discomfort associated with the blood draw. You can return to normal activities immediately after.