Creatinine is a by-product of muscle metabolism or breakdown. This product is excreted from the body through the urine. Creatinine levels in the blood often depend on muscle mass and renal or kidney function.
Calculating the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ensures muscle mass is considered when evaluating kidney function.
The eGFR, given in ml/min/1.73m2, represents the blood volume (in millilitres) that the kidneys purify every minute. The results for people between 18 – 70 years vary, but the result is interpreted against a normal-size person with a body surface area of 1.73m2. Below are the result readings.
An eGFR result below 15 indicates acute kidney failure requiring hemodialysis treatment. The most suitable test to check kidney function for people who may have less or more muscle mass, such as those with a muscular degeneration disease or extremely obese, bodybuilders, amputees and strict vegetarians, is the real glomerular filtration rate, also called creatinine clearance. The estimated rate is less likely to give an accurate result for these people.
You can book your estimated GFR test at Private Blood Tests London. Call us today on 02071830244 to schedule an appointment with our healthcare professional for your eGFR test.