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Overview

Glomerular Filtration Rate Test

Glomerular Filtration Rate Test

also known as: Urine Creatinine, 24-Hour

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best blood test that measures the level of kidney function and also determines the stage of kidney disease. The kidneys have small filters called glomeruli which help in removing the waste from the blood. The GFR is the rate at which the blood is filtered each minute. The test measures how much the blood passes each minute through the glomeruli. The GFR can be estimated with greater accuracy from the results of another blood creatinine test, or other factors like age, gender or body weight. The test helps the doctor to plan for further treatment regarding kidney. Low GFR will result in the improper working of the kidney.

As such no special preparation is required for Glomeruli filtration rate test. The doctor may ask you to temporarily stop certain medicines which may affect the test results. The medicine which may harm includes stomach acid and antibiotics medicines. You should also inform the doctor about your diet and other medical conditions that may be required to be changed before the test. The doctor should know about all the vitamins, herbs, and other supplements you are taking. You may also be asked by the doctor to fast overnight or to refrain from eating cooked meat. Some studies have shown that consuming cooked meat might affect the creatinine level.

Glomeruli filtration rate test helps to indicate how well the kidneys are functioning. The test is often ordered by the doctor if he finds symptoms related to kidney disease or if he wants to test the effectiveness of a particular treatment. The test is vital in preventing further kidney damage. The test is recommended if you are taking a certain medication that is affecting the kidney or you are suffering from conditions like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, recurring urinary tract infections, difficulty with urination, kidney failure, kidney stones, blood in urine, or polycystic kidney disease.

For Glomeruli filtration rate test, a blood sample is required. The blood sample is collected by drawing blood from the arm. A nurse or the doctor will inject a needle into the vein of the arm and will collect the blood in the tube which is attached to the needle. After the tube gets filled with blood, the needle is removed and some pressure is applied to stop the bleeding. You also need to provide your age, race, sex, weight, and height because the specific formula is used to calculate Glomeruli filtration rate. The collected sample is then sent to the lab for testing.

LimitationsComplete urine collections require vigilance on the part of nursing personnel. Ingestion of meat may increase creatinine values of urine collections as well as serum creatinine values. Drugs interfering with tubular creatinine secretion include cimetidine, trimethoprim, and probenecid. Creatinine reabsorption occurs with very low urine flow rates. Entities in which reabsorption occurs include severe congestive heart failure, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and acute renal failure.1
Specimen
Urine (24-hour)
Volume
10 mL aliquot of entire collection
Container
Plastic urine container, with or without 6N HCl.
Type Gender Age-Group Value
Glomerular Filtration Rate 24 Hour Urine
Unisex
All age groups
> 90ml/min/1.73 metre square

Table of Content

What is Glomerular Filtration Rate Test?
Preparation for Glomerular Filtration Rate Test
Uses of Glomerular Filtration Rate Test
Procedure for Glomerular Filtration Rate Test
Limitations of Glomerular Filtration Rate Test
Specimen Requirements
Normal values for Glomerular Filtration Rate Test
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Popular Questions & Answers

Hi I am having diabetes since 2010 whenever I check my Sugar at home it is around 180 but when get it checked from lab it was about 289 and even I am loosing my weight.

MBBS, CCEBDM, Diploma in Diabetology, Diploma in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Cetificate Course In Thyroid Disorders Management (CCMTD)
Endocrinologist, Dharwad
Hi I am having diabetes since 2010 whenever I check my Sugar at home it is around 180 but when get it checked from la...
Mr. lybrate-user, Thanks for the query. Blood glucose checked with gluco meter or with venous blood at labs, can be having such a huge difference. You have not mentioned whether it is fasting, after food or random. If you are loosing weight means blood glucose is not well controlled. Hence my suggestion is please come back with following details: FBG, PPBG & HbA1c%, drugs being taken with dosage, dietary pattern and extent of exercise being done daily. Based on those details I will be able to guide specifically. Once if the blood glucose is well controlled then weight loss is stopped and one can even regain the same. Thanks.
2 people found this helpful

Please tell me what atta should we eat in house for - each one of following - Mom looking for Weight Loss, Grandpa has diabetes, Papa has cholesterol and bp, I need high protein less carbs, do computer work all day.

M.Sc - Dietitics / Nutrition
Dietitian/Nutritionist, Greater Noida
Please tell me what atta should we eat in house for - each one of following - Mom looking for Weight Loss,
Grandpa ha...
Go for multi grain atta mix chana, jawar ragi, soy atta in whole wheat atta with bran which is not available in packed atta either buy fresh atta from chakki or mix bran in it. You all need high fibre diet. Consult me privately for customized diet according to your family needs.

Popular Health Tips

Know The Ayurvedic Approach To Reversing Diabetes!!

Graduate of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (GAMS)
Ayurvedic Doctor, Panipat
Know The Ayurvedic Approach To Reversing Diabetes!!

Glucose is the primary ingredient within the body which is turned into an energy source. This is what we use when we move, walk or make the slightest movements. To metabolize glucose into energy, your body needs insulin, which is a hormone produced within the pancreas. However, if the body doesn't react to the insulin or the pancreas is unable to produce enough, glucose cannot be converted into energy and thus results in type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes

  1. Sudden or gradual weight loss despite increased hunger - Many people complain that they feel hungry and eat more, but despite this, tend to lose weight. This occurs as the body cannot metabolize glucose and uses energy reserves from fat or muscles leading to weight loss.
  2. Frequent infections and slow healing - If you are afflicted with Type 2 diabetes, then it might affect your immune system and you may be prone to infections. Also, any cuts or bruises on your body will take much longer to heal than normal.
  3. Irritability and fatigue - Another common symptom of type 2 diabetes along with the other symptoms mentioned here is quick irritability and fatigue. This is because most of the body is deprived of sugar and thus lacks the energy needed to function normally. 
  4. Constant thirst and increased urination - If you feel constantly thirsty despite drinking ample water and urinating frequently, this may be a tell tale sign of type 2 diabetes.
  5. Skin darkening in folds and creases of the body - Also known as acanthosis nigricans; this is a darkening of the skin where it also becomes velvety to the touch. It usually develops in the folds on skin in areas such as the neck and armpits and is a direct result of insulin resistance.

Causes of Type 2 diabetes

Some of the most common causes of Type 2 diabetes could be:

  1. Being overweight
  2. Lack of physical activity
  3. Genetic predisposition or family history 
  4. If you are more than 45 years of age
  5. Hormonal problems such as Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Reverse Diabetes

There three major factors that can help you prevent and reverse pre- and type II diabetes: proper diet and appropriate nutritional and herbal supplementation, exercise, and weight management.

  1. Diet: Proper diet is critical for both preventing and treating pre-and type II diabetes. One of the most important dietary precautions you can take is to eliminate all refined sugars and sugar products from your diet. Also reduce or eliminate your intake of alcohol and caffeine; avoid fast, processed "junk" foods and soda, altogether; and eat protein snacks between meals.
  2. Eating According to the Glycemic Index: Another important dietary tip is eat meals that contains an abundance of low-glycemic (low-sugar) foods. By doing so you can significantly improve your body's ability to maintain low insulin and blood sugar levels. Low-glycemic foods include raw, organic leafy green vegetables, fruits that contain pits, sweet potatoes, yams, organic whole-grain breads and cereals, most legumes and nuts, skim and buttermilk, poultry, white fish, shellfish, and lean cuts of beef and veal.
  3. Nutritional and Herbal Supplements: In addition to a healthy diet, many people at risk for or who already have pre- or type II diabetes will also benefit from various nutritional and herbal supplements.
  4. Exercise: Regular exercise should be part of every diabetic's daily routine. Exercise in combination with a weight loss program has been proven to reduce the odds of developing diabetes by 58 percent among people who are at risk for the disease. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult with the doctor for diabetes ayurvedic treatment.
4522 people found this helpful

Myths And Facts About Diabetes!

MBBS, CCEBDM, Diploma in Diabetology, Diploma in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Cetificate Course In Thyroid Disorders Management (CCMTD)
Endocrinologist, Dharwad
Myths And Facts About Diabetes!

 1) Diabetes is curable :

Diabetes is  mainly due deficiency of Insulin (hormone produced by Beta cells of pancreas), plus resistance to action of insulin, overweightor obesity  and inactivity. Therefore, to treat diabetes we need drugs that initiate insulin secretion, reduce insulin resistance. In some cases  insulin itself. Plus dietary control and regular exercise to maintain normal weight or reduce excess weight. Hence it can only be effectively controlled. Cure is not possible.

2) Eating Sugar or Sweets causes Diabetes :

It is incorrect to say that eating sweets and / or sugar causes diabetes. Basically excess food intake will lead to excess production of glucose. That puts excess load on insulin producing cells in pancreas due glucotoxicity. Also due to central obesity  the fat around internal organs causes lipotoxicity affecting the beta cells. Therefore, excess food intake in general and weight gain  are the reasons for diabetes.

3) Jaggery is better or safe in diabetes :

Jaggery and sugar both are essentially same. Both contain sucrose, as they are prepared from sugar cane juice. Hence eating either of these will increase blood glucose considerably. In jaggery there are some vitamins and a few antioxidants. But both are bad for a diabetic person.

4) Rice should not be eaten in diabetes :

Not really true. Because in south India this is the major or at times only main food. Rice has a high glycemic index so gets converted to glucose rapidly. So polished rice is not good. Brown rice is better. Quantity should be regulated. All other cereals  also are converted  glucose after digestion. 

5)Allopathic Medications Damage Kidneys, so go for either Ayurvedic or Homeopathic Drugs :

In fact diabetes itself affects kidney, particularly the filtering membrane of glomerulurous  (a filtering unit in the kidney).   Even when diabetes fairly well controlled, kidney does get affected. The drugs used to treat diabetes  help in overcoming kidney damage. Therefore it is wrong to think that modern drugs cause kidney damage. In fact some of the other drugs contain heavy metals (Bhasmas), which can be harmful to the kidney.

6) Sugar intake is essential for body :

Some people keep asking that eating sugar is very necessary for getting energy for the body tissues. This is not at all true.  Because all the cereals like rice, jowar, wheat, ragi, bajra and other millets, contain starch as the main ingredient. Hence intake of each of these foods  provides glucose after digestion. So there is no separate need for taking sugar.

Few things to be remembered and practiced are :

  • Always use whole grain flour, as it contains a good amount of biber content for making chapati or roti.
  • Consume more of green leafy vegetables and salads with every meal.
  • Consider fruits and green leafy vegetables as part of regular snacks
  • Take small meals on more number of occasion to avoid glucose surge.
  • Avoid Maida and foods made from it. It is probably worst kind of food that one can consume.
  • Form healthy food habits.
5 people found this helpful

Ugly Divorce - Tips To Help You Get Over It!

Ma Clinical Psychology
Psychologist, Pune
Ugly Divorce - Tips To Help You Get Over It!

Getting through an ugly divorce is quite a difficult thing, no matter what the reason might be. Your world can turn upside down after a divorce and you have to make a fresh new start in life.

Here are some tips you should follow to get through an ugly divorce:

  1. Accept the fact that it is okay to have different feelings: All feelings like sadness, anger, exhaustion, frustration and confusion are quite intense after a divorce. You should accept these reactions and they will surely decrease with time.
  2. You need to give yourself a break: Accept the fact that you are weak and time is required to be back to normal functioning. Your work performance can be affected as well. Taking a break is a must after a divorce.
  3. Do not try to go through the situation alone: You should share your feelings with your friends and family, and you will surely get help. Joining support groups can also be fruitful. Isolation makes your condition worse; so you must go out, interact and share stuff.
  4. You should take proper emotional and physical care of your body: Eat timely, work out and relax. Try to maintain your normal daily routine and do not make major life decisions during this point of life. Abstain from too much alcohol and cigarettes as they are not a solution.
  5. Avoid ugly situations: Avoid talking to your former spouse as discussions may lead to ugly situations and fights, which would enhance your misery.
  6. Take a hobby: Try to do things you love to do from your heart. Join classes, take music lessons, paint pictures and slowly try to enjoy life. Making new friends is also a good idea.
  7. Think positive: Positive thinking is a must and if you engross yourself in positive, constructive activities, you are likely to feel good. You need to be flexible and in case you have children, do your best to provide them an ideal atmosphere for adjusting to the situation.
  8. Time can heal everything: Keep one thing in mind that life will eventually return to normal. Time heals everything and one day you will not be affected anymore.
  9. Talk to your children and help them cope: You need to provide proper care to your kids for coping with the situation. Talk to your children and make them understand that they are not responsible for the divorce by any means. Try to ease their concerns, be compassionate, but maintain a direct approach. Maintain your child's routine exactly how it used to be, so that they feel less amount of sudden change. Do not involve your children in the conflict in any way.

A divorce is extremely difficult to cope with, as one has never faced or felt such a situation before. With proper support and measures, you can get over a divorce much more easily. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Psychologist.

2397 people found this helpful

Dash Diet!

MBBS, Dip.Cardiology, Fellowship in Clinical Cardiology(FICC), Fellowship in Echocardiology
Cardiologist, Ghaziabad
Dash Diet!

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It is an eating plan that is based on research studies sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). These studies showed that DASH lowers high blood pressure and improves levels of cholesterol. This reduces your risk of getting heart disease.

The DASH Diet

  • Emphasizes vegetables, fruits, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
  • Includes whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds, nuts, and vegetable oils.
  • Limits sodium, sweets, sugary beverages, and red meats.

Along with DASH, other lifestyle changes can help lower your blood pressure. They include staying at a healthy weight, exercising, and not smoking.

3 people found this helpful

Diabetic Foot!

MBBS, Dip.Cardiology, Fellowship in Clinical Cardiology(FICC), Fellowship in Echocardiology
Cardiologist, Ghaziabad
Diabetic Foot!

If you have diabetes, your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Over time, this can damage your nerves or blood vessels. Nerve damage from diabetes can cause you to lose feeling in your feet. You may not feel a cut, a blister or a sore. Foot injuries such as these can cause ulcers and infections. Serious cases may even lead to amputation. Damage to the blood vessels can also mean that your feet do not get enough blood and oxygen. It is harder for your foot to heal, if you do get a sore or infection.

You can help avoid foot problems. First, control your blood sugar levels. Good foot hygiene is also crucial:

  • Check your feet every day
  • Wash your feet every day
  • Keep the skin soft and smooth
  • Smooth corns and calluses gently
  • If you can see, reach, and feel your feet, trim your toenails regularly. If you cannot, ask a foot doctor (podiatrist) to trim them for you.
  • Wear shoes and socks at all times
  • Protect your feet from hot and cold
  • Keep the blood flowing to your feet
3 people found this helpful