1. What is Creatinine Clearance?

Creatinine clearance is a method used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by measuring the amount of creatinine cleared from the blood by the kidneys over a specific time period.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the creatinine clearance formula:

Where:

• \( U_{cr} \) — Urine creatinine concentration (mg/dL)
• \( V \) — Urine volume per minute (mL/min)
• \( P_{cr} \) — Plasma creatinine concentration (mg/dL)

Explanation: This formula calculates the volume of plasma cleared of creatinine per minute, providing an estimate of kidney function.

3. Importance of GFR Calculation

Details: Accurate GFR estimation is essential for assessing kidney function, diagnosing renal diseases, monitoring disease progression, and adjusting medication dosages for patients with impaired kidney function.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter urine creatinine in mg/dL, urine volume in mL/min, and plasma creatinine in mg/dL. All values must be valid (greater than 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between creatinine clearance and eGFR?
A: Creatinine clearance is a measured value from urine collection, while eGFR is an estimated value calculated from serum creatinine and demographic factors.

Q2: How should urine be collected for this test?
A: Typically, a 24-hour urine collection is used to measure total creatinine excretion and calculate the average urine flow rate.

Q3: What are normal creatinine clearance values?
A: Normal values are typically 95-125 mL/min for young adults, with values decreasing with age.

Q4: What factors can affect creatinine clearance results?
A: Factors include incomplete urine collection, muscle mass, diet, medications, and certain medical conditions.

Q5: When is creatinine clearance preferred over eGFR?
A: Creatinine clearance may be preferred in patients with extremes of muscle mass, amputees, or when precise GFR measurement is needed for drug dosing.