End stage renal disease patients in dialysis treatment - end stage renal disease form 2728

What Does This Test Measure?

Your serum creatinine level reflects how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. Creatinine is a byproduct of muscle metabolism and is excreted primarily through the kidneys. Higher levels may indicate impaired kidney function or inadequate dialysis clearance. The eGFR estimate helps doctors assess your kidney function and determine the effectiveness of your dialysis treatment.

Why Is This Test Important for Dialysis Patients?

For patients on dialysis, creatinine levels and eGFR are critical because they help doctors monitor how well your dialysis is removing waste products from your blood. These results guide adjustments to dialysis settings, such as frequency, duration, or type of dialysis (e.g., hemodialysis vs. peritoneal dialysis).

How Is This Test Performed?

A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The lab processes the sample to measure creatinine concentration and calculates your eGFR using a formula that accounts for age, sex, and race. No special preparation is needed, but fasting is not required.

What Might Affect Your Results?

Several factors can influence creatinine levels or eGFR, including muscle mass (higher muscle mass can raise creatinine), dehydration or fluid overload, certain medications (e.g., contrast dyes for imaging), or recent exercise. For dialysis patients, inadequate dialysis clearance or residual kidney function can also affect these results.