Overview
The Creatinine with eGFR (Serum) test evaluates kidney function by measuring creatinine levels and estimating how well the kidneys filter blood. High creatinine or low eGFR can indicate impaired kidney function or chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is used to diagnose, monitor, and manage kidney conditions, especially in high-risk patients.
What is the Creatinine eGFR Test ?
A Glomerular Filtration Rate, or GFR, test measures the Kidneys' efficiency in filtering waste using your blood sample. Your Kidneys are two organs on either side of your Spine near your Waist. They have microscopic filters known as glomeruli. These filters remove waste and surplus water from your blood and get rid of them through Urine (Pee). Your Kidneys can't filter your blood as quickly as they should if Kidney disease has caused damage to these small filters. A GFR test measures the volume of blood your Kidneys filter in a minute to screen for Kidney disease. Doctors generally estimate GFR based on the amount of certain waste substances in your blood which is called estimated GFR or an eGFR.
To determine your eGFR, your doctor makes use of the results of Creatinine Test, where creatinine is a waste product generated by normal muscle activity. If your Kidneys aren’t functioning accurately, Creatinine can accumulate in your blood. Your doctor will also take into account other body details, such as your age, weight, height, and sex, since creatinine levels vary depending on factors including body size, diet type, and physical activity levels. After that, this information is put into a GFR calculator, which uses a mathematical formula to determine your eGFR and evaluate renal function.
What is the Purpose of the Creatinine eGFR Test ?
Creatinine eGFR Test is advised for following purposes:
- Screening: If you have a family history of Kidney problems, Diabetes, Heart disease, Kidney blockages or infections, High Blood Pressure, or Chronic Renal Disease, an eGFR test may be used to screen any Kidney disease at an early stage.
- Diagnosis: It helps in identifying the cause of symptoms including Fatigue, poor appetite, changes in Urine, and Foot swelling that may be linked to renal issues. A measurement of creatinine may also be included in a panel of tests for more general symptoms or when evaluating you in the emergency room.
- Monitoring: An assessment of creatinine levels can provide insight into the potential course of kidney disease. Kidney-related adverse effects from prescribed drugs can also be monitored via renal function tests.
When is a Creatinine eGFR Test Recommended ?
Creatinine eGFR Tests may be advised to check your Kidney health as part of a routine checkup. If you are experiencing symptoms of Kidney disease, then also this test may be advised. Symptoms may include:
- Swelling in Legs, Feet, Ankles, or Hands or Face
- Change in frequency of urination
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Even if you aren't experiencing any symptoms, you may still be at high risk of developing Kidney disease. Early on, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), also known as long-term Kidney disease, often exhibits no symptoms. The following factors raise your risk of Kidney disease:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Family health history of kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Age above 50 years
- Smoking
- Obesity
Preparation for Creatinine eGFR Test
- Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, there is no need for you to make any special preparations before the Creatinine eGFR Test.
- Other blood tests can be carried out in addition to a Creatinine eGFR Test. If your doctor advises you to have multiple tests at once, they may ask you to fast for a specific period of time prior to a blood test.
- Drink adequate water before sample collection.
- Follow the preparatory instructions as guided by your doctor.
What is the Cost of a Creatinine eGFR Test ?
The Price of a Creatinine eGFR Test is Rs. 180. However, cost of the test may fluctuate depending on following factors:
- Other tests advised along with Creatinine eGFR Test
- Offers or discounts
- Empanelment of the patient