A creatinine clearance calculator compares levels of creatinine in blood and urine to determine GFR, which indicates kidney function and helps diagnose and monitor kidney disease. A GFR of 30 or less warrants a visit to a kidney specialist, and a GFR below 15 may require dialysis or transplant. The calculator is useful for detecting kidney disease early, before complete failure.
A creatinine clearance calculator is used to calculate the percentage of a person’s kidney function. Creatine, an important part of muscle tissue, breaks down within the body and forms what is known as creatinine. With healthy kidney function, the body is able to process and eliminate most of this creatinine. When kidney function is impaired, creatinine levels in both blood and urine are elevated.
When calculating the amount of creatinine in the body, it is important to compare the levels in blood and urine. This is the main function of the creatinine clearance calculator. A blood test is performed to obtain the so-called serum creatine level. This number is then compared to the number on a urine test, where urine was collected from the patient over a 24-hour period. Together, these numbers will give medical professionals an outcome known as GFR.
GFR, which stands for glomular filtration rate, is a number obtained through the use of a creatinine clearance calculator. GFR indicates the percentage of kidney function and is extremely useful in diagnosing and monitoring the progress of kidney disease. This number will help your doctor decide when medical intervention, such as dialysis, may be needed.
In general, a person should see a kidney specialist anytime the creatinine clearance calculator indicates a GFR of 30 or less. If this number drops below 15, a kidney transplant or dialysis is almost inevitable. The GFR can also help the patient and the medical staff monitor the progression of the various stages of kidney disease.
In phase 1, the creatinine clearance calculator will show a GFR of 90 or more. Stage 2 is indicated by a GFR between 60 and 89. Once the GFR is between 30 and 59, stage 3 kidney disease is present. Stage 4 presents with a GFR of 15-29. If the GFR drops below 15, Stage 5 is present and dialysis or a transplant is needed.
Some types of kidney disease show few or no symptoms, especially in the beginning. For this reason, the use of a creatinine clearance calculator is a helpful tool for medical professionals in finding and diagnosing a problem before it reaches the point of complete kidney failure. Once diagnosed, lifestyle and dietary changes can often slow the progression of many types of kidney disease.
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