A Creatinine Clearance (CCR) test checks your kidney function by measuring the amount of creatinine in your urine and blood. Creatinine is a waste product that is normally filtered out of your blood by the kidneys.
Understanding the Creatinine Clearance Test
The Creatinine Clearance test is a valuable tool for assessing how well your kidneys are functioning. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Purpose: To evaluate the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), which indicates how efficiently the kidneys filter waste products from the blood.
- Creatinine Explained:
- Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism.
- Healthy kidneys remove creatinine from the blood and excrete it in urine.
- How the Test Works: The test measures the amount of creatinine in both your blood and urine over a specific period (usually 24 hours). By comparing these levels, doctors can determine how effectively your kidneys are clearing creatinine.
Why is a CCR Test Performed?
A CCR test may be ordered for several reasons:
- Diagnosis: To diagnose kidney disease or damage.
- Monitoring: To monitor the progression of existing kidney disease.
- Medication Adjustment: To adjust the dosage of certain medications that are cleared by the kidneys.
Interpreting the Results
The results of the CCR test provide valuable information about kidney function. A low creatinine clearance level can indicate that the kidneys are not working as well as they should. Factors such as age, sex, and body size can affect normal creatinine clearance values. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
