Creatinine clearance (CrCl) is the volume of blood plasma cleared of creatinine per unit time. It is a rapid and cost-effective method for the measurement of renal function. Both CrCl and GFR can be measured using the comparative values of creatinine in blood and urine.
The creatinine clearance test checks your kidney function by looking at the amount of creatinine in your urine and blood This shows how fast your kidneys clear creatinine from your body
10 to 150mL/min in males and 100 to 130mL/min in females
Test result interpretation
Creatinine clearance rate is a test used to assess kidney function by estimating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is a measure of the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood. Here's how to interpret the results:
Normal Range:
Normal creatinine clearance rates vary depending on age, gender, muscle mass, and other factors.
In adults, the normal range is typically between 90 to 140 mL/min for men and 80 to 125 mL/min for women.
Interpretation:
Normal Creatinine Clearance:
A creatinine clearance rate within the normal range indicates normal kidney function and GFR.
Decreased Creatinine Clearance:
A decreased creatinine clearance rate may indicate impaired kidney function or decreased GFR.
Causes of decreased creatinine clearance include chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), dehydration, heart failure, and certain medications.
Increased Creatinine Clearance:
An increased creatinine clearance rate may occur in certain conditions, such as hyperfiltration states (e.g., early diabetes mellitus) or high muscle mass.
Clinical Correlation:
Interpretation of creatinine clearance rates should be done in conjunction with the patient's clinical history, symptoms, and other laboratory tests.
Abnormal creatinine clearance rates may warrant further evaluation, including additional tests (e.g., serum creatinine, urine protein, electrolytes) and imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan).
Estimated GFR (eGFR):
Creatinine clearance rate is an estimate of GFR but is less commonly used in clinical practice compared to estimated GFR (eGFR) calculated using serum creatinine levels.
eGFR is typically calculated using equations such as the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation or the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation.
Limitations:
Creatinine clearance rate may be influenced by factors such as muscle mass, diet, hydration status, and medications.
The test requires collection of a 24-hour urine sample, which may be inconvenient for patients and prone to collection errors.
Clinical Significance:
Assessment of kidney function, including creatinine clearance rate or eGFR, is essential for diagnosing and monitoring kidney diseases, managing medications, and predicting outcomes.
Abnormal creatinine clearance rates may indicate the need for further evaluation and management, including lifestyle modifications, medications, and referral to a nephrologist.
Interpretation of creatinine clearance rates should be performed by healthcare professionals experienced in kidney function assessment and management. Treatment decisions should be individualized based on the patient's specific clinical circumstances, including underlying conditions and risk factors.