Creatinine Clearance: A Key Test for Kidney Function

Creatinine clearance is a crucial test used to assess how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. It measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product from muscle metabolism, cleared from the body through the kidneys over a specific period. A healthy kidney efficiently removes creatinine, and abnormal levels may indicate kidney dysfunction. This test helps in diagnosing conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and monitoring kidney function in patients with known kidney issues. Normal creatinine clearance levels range between 90-140 mL/min for healthy adults, varying slightly by age and sex.

The creatinine clearance test is one of the primary ways to assess kidney function, providing important insight into how effectively your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood.

What Creatinine Clearance Measures:
Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism. It is removed from the body through the kidneys and excreted in urine. The creatinine clearance test measures the rate at which creatinine is cleared from the blood, reflecting how well the kidneys are functioning.
How the Test Works:
This test typically involves collecting a 24-hour urine sample along with a blood test. By measuring creatinine levels in both urine and blood, the test calculates the rate of creatinine clearance. The results help doctors determine if the kidneys are filtering waste at a normal rate.
Significance in Diagnosing Kidney Disease:
Creatinine clearance is vital in detecting early-stage kidney disease. Low clearance levels suggest that the kidneys are not functioning efficiently, which can be an early indicator of chronic kidney disease (CKD). On the other hand, very high levels of creatinine clearance might indicate conditions like pregnancy or intense physical exercise.
Interpreting Results:
- Normal creatinine clearance levels: 90-140 mL/min for adults.
- Low levels: May indicate kidney dysfunction or CKD.
- High levels: May be seen in cases of increased physical activity, muscle mass, or certain medical conditions.

Regular creatinine clearance tests are essential for individuals with risk factors for kidney disease or existing kidney conditions.

Recommended Tests

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR):
A blood test that complements creatinine clearance by estimating kidney filtration rate, often used in diagnosing chronic kidney disease.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test:
Measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, providing another indicator of kidney function and working together with creatinine clearance to assess kidney health.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Test