Blood test to determine GFR

[Julesrich]

I am stage 4 CKD. I live in the UK. For quite a few years I have been attending nuclear medicine dept at the hospital to have a kidney function test. This involves injection of a tracer then 2 hours later a blood test is taken then another blood test after an hour and again after another hour. I have also just had one blood test at the doctors surgery and this has also determined my GFR kidney function. I just wondered if other members also have the 4 hour test or just the one blood test and if the there is a lot of difference in the result for kidney function. Do I really need the 4 hour blood test. Thanks for reading my post

[Celtic]

Jules, I’m at stage 3b and simply have blood tests to check actual kidney function, including eGFR, creatinine, potassium etc. I’m also in the U.K.

[Julesrich in reply to Celtic]

Thanks for your reply. I am wondering if the nuclear medicine blood tests are necessary. I will check next time I speak to my doctor at the hospital.

[Celtic in reply to Julesrich]

Yes, I would definitely enquire about the need for the tracer procedure. There may be something in your kidney disease diagnosis that is individual to you and requires such interventionan. If not, then quite honestly I would prefer not to have any unnecessary procedures. Do please let us know the outcome, and stay well.

[Julesrich in reply to Celtic]

Thanks Celtic and for your advice

[FlowerPreciousLover]

Jules, I've facilated between 3b-2b but have only been given the kidney blood and urine tests. Just one blood test each visit. Maybe something specific your doc is looking for with the 4 hour test?

[Julesrich in reply to FlowerPreciousLover]

Yes maybe. Thanks for your reply

[Alan_G]

What I have read is that the 4 hour test is much more accurate. The blood test just uses the creatinine level to generate your GFR score. I did read a case in another forum of a woman being given the 4 hour test after the blood test and her score went up a few points. The blood test is called eGFR because it is just an estimate whereas the 4 hour test is much more accurate. I think if there is concern about somebody's GFR they should be given the 4 hour test to confirm the prognosis.