Creatinine clearance measurement is used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate.
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Creatinine is the non-protein end product of anaerobic energy production from creatine phosphate metabolism in skeletal muscle. It is continuously and easily eliminated from the kidney by glomerular filtration. This test measures the clearance of creatinine and, using a blood sample and a urine sample, the rate at which the blood creatinine is filtered through the kidneys is determined. In particular, "Clearance" means the amount of blood "cleansed" by creatinine within 1 minute and is independent of the rate of urine flow.
Decreased creatinine clearance values occur when more than 50% of the nephrons of the kidney are damaged, thereby reducing glomerular filtration. Creatinine clearance is therefore a very specific marker of renal function, revealing the balance between creatinine formation and its excretion.
Possible Interpretations of Pathological Values
- Increase: Exercise, pregnancy. It is associated with higher mortality after an acute stroke. Medications: Low molecular weight heparin, perindopril. Herbal or natural remedies containing Cordyceps sinensis. Medications that may cause falsely elevated values include amphotericin B, ascorbic acid, barbiturates, capreomycin sulfate, carbutamide, cefoxitin, cephalothin, chlorthalidone, clonidine, colistin, dextran, doxycycline, kanamycin, levodopa, methyldopa, p-amino acid, phenolsulfonphthalein, sulfobromophthalein.
- Decrease: Acute coronary syndrome, acute tubular necrosis, atherosclerosis of the renal artery, congestive heart failure, dehydration, elderly patients, glomerulonephritis, renal malignancy, renal sclerosis, renal obstruction, shock (cardiogenic, hypovolemic), renal vein thrombosis, renal tuberculosis. Medications: Aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, captopril, cyclosporin, indomethacin, lithium, nitrendipine, penicillins.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
