The creatinine clearance test is a diagnostic tool used to measure how effectively the kidneys are working. The test measures the amount of creatinine in the urine and blood over a 24-hour period to calculate the rate at which the kidneys are clearing creatinine from the blood. Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is normally filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, the level of creatinine in the blood can increase, indicating reduced kidney function. The creatinine clearance test can help diagnose conditions such as chronic kidney disease and can also be used to monitor the progress of treatment for these conditions. The test involves collecting all urine output over a 24-hour period and also requires a blood sample to measure the creatinine level.
