Creatinine with Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Test

Estimated Glomerular Filtration rate test is a serum-based creatinine test in the form of a blood test for the detection of kidney damage or chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is used to screen for any early kidney damage and to monitor kidney status for patients already suffering from kidney diseases. People suffering from prolonged diabetes and high blood pressure (Hypertension) are prone to kidney damage. Signs of kidney disease include swelling and puffiness of eyes, arms, legs, the problem in urination, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, muscle cramps and darkening of the skin. The test is usually periodically ordered to a person suffering from high diabetes or hypertension that is associated with kidney damage in a long run.

No special preparation is required for this test. A normal blood test is ordered performed at any normal pathology lab. The eGFR Test is done using Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate method on a Blood sample. Inform your doctor about all the medication that you are on in case it will alter the results of the test, in that case, the doctor can prescribe you with other options.

The test helps in detecting the level of kidney damage in a patient. The normal eGFR in an adult is approximately 90mL/min/1.73m2. Any count below this level is considered show some level of kidney damage. The test is ordered again after a gap of some time to see if the abnormal results persist. Usually, the test is ordered thrice before the doctor can analyze the amount of damage to the kidneys in a patient.

A band is wrapped around the arm, preferably near the elbow pit such that vein is clearly seen The area is cleaned with 70% alcohol The needle is inserted into the visible vein causing a small prick and the required amount of blood sample is collected The collected blood is transferred into the blood container from the nozzle and the syringe is hygienically disposed immediately