Description
Why It’s Done
This test is typically ordered to:
• Evaluate kidney function, especially when creatinine results are inconclusive.
• Detect early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• Monitor kidney health in individuals at risk (e.g., those with diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease).
• Provide an alternative to serum creatinine testing for estimating GFR, particularly in older adults or those with low muscle mass.
It may be especially useful in:
• Elderly patients
• Children
• Patients with liver disease or muscle wasting conditions
Preparation
• No special preparation is typically required.
• Inform your doctor of any medications or supplements you are taking, as some drugs may affect kidney function.
• A simple blood draw is required—usually from a vein in the arm
