1. What is Creatinine Clearance?

Creatinine clearance is a measure of the rate at which creatinine is cleared from the blood by the kidneys. It provides an estimate of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and is used to assess kidney function.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the creatinine clearance equation:

Where:

• \( U \) — Urine creatinine concentration (mg/dL)
• \( V \) — Urine flow rate (mL/min)
• \( P \) — Plasma creatinine concentration (mg/dL)

Explanation: This equation calculates the volume of plasma cleared of creatinine per minute, providing a direct measurement of kidney function.

3. Importance of Creatinine Clearance Calculation

Details: Creatinine clearance is crucial for assessing renal function, diagnosing kidney diseases, monitoring disease progression, and adjusting medication dosages for drugs that are excreted by the kidneys.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter urine creatinine in mg/dL, urine volume in mL/min, and plasma creatinine in mg/dL. All values must be valid and greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between creatinine clearance and eGFR?
A: Creatinine clearance is a measured value using urine collection, while eGFR is an estimated value calculated from serum creatinine and demographic factors.

Q2: How should urine be collected for creatinine clearance test?
A: Typically, a 24-hour urine collection is used to measure total creatinine excretion and calculate the urine flow rate.

Q3: What are normal creatinine clearance values?
A: Normal values are approximately 95-105 mL/min for women and 110-120 mL/min for men, though they decrease with age.

Q4: When is creatinine clearance preferred over eGFR?
A: Creatinine clearance is preferred when precise measurement of renal function is needed, particularly for drug dosing in patients with unstable renal function.

Q5: Are there limitations to creatinine clearance measurement?
A: Yes, it requires complete and accurate urine collection, which can be challenging. It may also be affected by factors such as muscle mass, diet, and certain medications.