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What is glomerular filtration rate?
(May 13, 2010)
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Glomerular filtration rate is an expression of the quantity of glomerular filtrate formed each minute in the nephrons of both kidneys, usually measured by the rate of clearance of creatinine. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check the functioning levels of the kidneys. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli (tiny filters) in the kidneys. GFR also tells you how much kidney function you have.
The sample for the test is the blood drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow. The site is first cleaned with an antiseptic and the physician then wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood. He then inserts a needle into the vein which then collects blood into an airtight vial attached to the needle.
The blood sample is sent to a lab for testing the creatinine levels. Creatinine is a metabolite from muscle. The GFR test measures how well your kidneys are filtering creatinine. It is normally removed by the kidneys, but when the kidney fails to function normally, the creatinine level rises. Creatinine is affected by many factors and varies between patients due to differences in age, sex and muscle mass. So, your doctor calculates GFR results taking into consideration your age, race, gender, and other related factors. With a reduction in the GFR, the elimination of waste products such as urea and creatinine is impaired.
Reasons
The test is recommended, especially for people with chronic kidney diseases. It is also recommended for people who are at risk of:
• Diabetes
• Family history of kidney disease
• Urinary tract infections
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure.
Measurement of the GFR is necessary to define the exact level of renal function. The normal results range from 100-140 mls/min. If the result is <30mls/min, it indicates severe Kidney Failure. GFR levels decreases with age, hence older people will have lower normal GFR levels. So your GFR will naturally decrease by 0.5-1ml/min as a part of the normal ageing process. GFR can increase during pregnancy.
GFR results indicate how much damage has been done to the kidneys and determine your stage of kidney disease. It is better if the kidney disease is detected early as the chances of slowing the progression of the disease and restoring the kidney functions are better. An improvement in the GFR may indicate that the kidneys are recovering some of their function. By monitoring the trends and changes in the GFR over a period of time, the course of your disease can be observed
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Submitted by M T on May 13, 2010 at 08:01
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