Why is this procedure done?
A creatinine clearance test checks how your kidneys are working. It compares the creatinine level in your urine collected over 24 hours to the level in your blood. This helps your doctor know how much of your blood is filtered by your kidneys in 24 hours. ‚
Creatinine is a waste product. Your body makes it when your muscles work. Your doctor may order this test to: ‚
- Check how well your kidneys are working
- Learn more about other illnesses like diabetes, heart problems, or high blood pressure
- Find out why you may have signs like swelling, problems with passing urine, high blood pressure, or low back pain
- Go along with other tests to find out the best treatment for you
- Track your kidney function over time
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor may learn that you have signs of an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your kidneys are likely working in a healthy way.
- If the results are not normal, you may have a problem with your kidneys. Low blood flow to your kidneys may also cause results that show your kidneys are not working well.
- Your doctor may order another test. This will help check a result that is not normal or to learn more about your kidney health.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
You will need to have a blood test and a 24 hour urine test for a creatinine clearance test. ‚
Blood test: ‚
- It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see how much creatinine is in it.
24 Hour Urine test: ‚
- Your doctor will give you a cup to collect your urine and a large container to hold all your urine from a 24 hour period. The doctor will talk with you about how to collect your urine.
- First thing in the morning, empty your bladder of urine into the toilet. Do not save this urine.
- The next time you need to go, place the small cup into your urine stream. Collect your urine in the cup.
- Empty the cup into the large collection container. Keep the large container in the refrigerator.
- Save all of your urine in the container for 24 hours. Be sure to empty your bladder one last time just before the end of the 24-hour period and add it to the container.
- Take your urine to the lab as soon as possible.
- It is important to collect and save all of your urine during the collection period. If you miss some urine during the 24 hour collection period, the test results will not be accurate.
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes after your blood test before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor find out if you have a problem with your creatinine clearance (kidney function). Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/creatinine-clearance/tab/glance ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚