Once your doctor observe any markers for kidney disease, he/she will recommend a few tests. One of them will be to determine the GFR. This refers to the amount of fluid filtered per minute by the glomeruli (capillaries or tiny blood vessels in the kidneys).
GFR is an accurate index to measure the kidney function. This can also determine the stage of kidney disease. The normal range varies between 100 – 120 ml/min.
It is also a good practice to use appropriate terms to understand why these tests are performed. It is also important to understand the four main functions of kidneys:
- Excretory function – this helps in excretion of waste products and drugs
- Regulatory function – this controls body fluid volume and composition
- Endocrine function – this produces erythropoietin, renin and prostaglandis
- Metabolic function – this metabolizes Vitamin D and small molecular weight proteins
A low GFR is an evidence of serious progressive renal disease. GFR reduces in both acute and chronic renal failure. A reduction of more than 50% in GFR manifests as raised serum urea and creatinine.
To determine GFR, other factors like age, race and gender are taken into consideration. Doctor may ask to measure GFR more than once before an assessment of kidney function is determined.
Even though the GFR test is very useful to determine kidney function, the results may vary in some situations. E.g. age 70 or older and under 18, pregnant, obese, muscular, vegetarian, African descent. These factors affect creatinine generation. In these cases, an additional test with 24 hours urine collection may be more accurate.
Your doctor may suggest some additional tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan to spot any abnormalities in the kidneys such as kidney stones. A kidney biopsy may be suggested to have to examine any abnormalities and disease.
If you are diagnosed with any stage of kidney disease or you are at risk. Please contact us for a safe and natural treatment.
