The 24-hour urine creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine excreted over a full day. Creatinine is a waste product formed from muscle metabolism and is filtered out by the kidneys. This test helps assess kidney function, muscle health, and overall creatinine clearance.
Why is it Done?
A 24-hour urine creatinine test is commonly used to:
- Evaluate kidney function and detect kidney disease.
- Measure creatinine clearance, which compares urine creatinine levels to blood creatinine.
- Monitor conditions affecting muscle metabolism or kidney filtration efficiency.
- Aid in diagnosing chronic kidney disease (CKD) or other renal disorders.
How the Test is Performed
- Collection Period: The patient collects all urine over 24 hours in a special container.
- Proper Storage: The sample is typically kept in a cool place or refrigerated.
- Final Submission: The collected urine is taken to a laboratory for analysis.