A glomerular filtration The Speed Test (SCF) is a blood test to check how well the kidneys are functioning. The kidneys are two organs located on either side of the spine, near the hips. They have small filters. glomeruli The kidneys are the most important organ in the body. These filters remove waste products and excess water from the blood and excrete them through urine.
When kidneys are damaged by kidney disease, they cannot filter blood at the required rate; the CKF test detects the presence of kidney disease by measuring the amount of blood the kidneys filter per minute.
While it is possible to measure CKF directly, it is a difficult test. This is why health care providers usually look for CKF based on the number of specific waste products in the blood. The estimated SCF is called pSFC.
To evaluate pKF, the physician usually uses the results of a blood test that determines creatinine levels. Creatinine is a waste product produced by the natural wear and tear of muscles. When the kidneys do not function properly, creatinine can accumulate in the blood.
People produce different amounts of creatinine depending on their volume, diet, and energy levels. Ultimately, your doctor will use your creatinine level and other information about you to calculate your pCKF. Here is an example
This information is entered into a formula called the SCF calculator to determine your pSCF.
It is possible to calculate the PFC by applying the cystatin C level in the blood. This is a protein made by almost every cell in the body. Because cystatin C levels are not affected by muscle size, age, or diet, some scientists believe that cystatin C provides a more accurate PFC estimate than creatinine. In some cases, creatinine and cystatin levels are used to calculate pSFC in adults.
Also known as: estimated SCF, pSCF, estimation. glomerular filtration rate, cGFR
What is it used for?
The SCF test is used for the following purposes
- Screening for kidney disease in asymptomatic individuals
- Help diagnose kidney disease in symptomatic individuals.
- Help determine the severity of kidney disease
- Look for people who have
- Have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and see if treatments can help
- Are taking medications that may damage their kidneys.
Why do I need a CKF test?
Because kidney disease in its early stages usually does not show any signs, an rsKF test may be needed to check the condition of the kidneys as part of a simple examination.
This test may also be needed if you are at high risk for kidney disease. You may be at increased risk if you
- Diabetes mellitus
- Have high blood pressure
- Is the owner of the family well.
- Has psychological and vascular disease
- Is over the age of 50
- Is smoking
- Is obese
Ask your own care provider at survey frequencies if you have any conditions that increase your risk of kidney disease.
Late stages of kidney disease can cause signs. Finally, an EGFR analysis may be needed if
- Swelling of the feet, legs, ankles, hands or face
- More frequent or less frequent than normal
- Dry or itchy skin
- Fatigue
- Niggling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased appetite
What happens during the GFR test?
The doctor will take blood from a vein in your arm with a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected into a test tube or vial. You will feel some pressure as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Do I need to prepare for the test?
Your doctor will tell you how to prepare for the test. You will probably need to prepare a few hours before the test (not eat or drink) or avoid certain things. Certain medications may affect your results. For example, you should tell the doctor everything you take. But do not stop taking the medication unless your doctor says you need to stop.
Were there any risks associated with the test?
There are considerable risks associated with blood tests. You may experience slight pain or bruising where the needle is inserted, but most signs disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
The EGFR result can be displayed as a number indicating the amount of blood in your kidneys per minute. Your test results will still show your creatinine and/or cystatin C levels.
Ask your own care provider to explain to you that your EGFR is related to your kidney health; EGFR is not considered a definitive test and does not always indicate kidney damage. Even in the absence of kidney damage, it is still possible to produce abnormal results.
- Normal EGFR probably means there is no kidney disease.
- Lower than normal EGFR means that you have kidney disease.
- Very low EGFR means that you may have kidney insufficiency.
If kidney disease is determined by you, your doctor will explain what you can do to protect your kidneys from further damage and prevent kidney deficiencies.
Is there anything else I should know about the GFR test?
Your doctor can order other studies to check your kidney health. These tests can be ordered at EGFR Support or to find the cause of abnormal EGFR results. These include
- Protein in urine tests. Protein in urine is considered a symptom of kidney damage.
- Creatinine Microalbumin Compatibility Test. This test checks a urine sample for a fairly small amount of a protein called albumin. Albumin in urine is one of the first symptoms of kidney disease
- BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen). BUN is the waste that the kidneys remove from the blood. This test checks the amount of BUN in a blood sample.
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