The Procedure
For a creatinine clearance test, you'll need to collect all the urine your child
passes usually over 24 hours. If you are doing this at home, this usually involves
first getting a special container from the lab in which to collect the urine, plus
specific instructions.
If your child isn't potty trained and can't urinate into a cup, urine collection
bags with adhesive tape on one end might instead be used to collect the samples. Your
baby's genital area will need to be cleaned, and then the bag is placed around the
urinary opening and secured with the attached tape. A diaper can be placed over the
bag. The bag will need to be changed frequently to collect all of the urine, and each
bag will need to be emptied into the special container.
Another option is the use of a catheter (a narrow, soft tube), which can be inserted
into the bladder and left there for 24 hours to obtain urine.
If you collect the specimen at home, follow any storage and transportation instructions
the lab gives you.
What to Expect
Because the test involves normal urination, there shouldn't be any discomfort as
long as your child can provide a urine specimen.
Getting the Results
In general, the results of the urine creatinine test are available within a day
or two. Your doctor will go over the results with you and explain what they mean.
If abnormalities are found, further tests may be needed.
Risks
No risks are associated with taking a urine creatinine test.
Infants may occasionally have skin irritation from the adhesive tape on the collection
bag. If a catheter is used to get the urine, it may cause temporary discomfort. If
you have any questions or concerns about this procedure, talk to your doctor.
Helping Your Child
Explaining how the test will be conducted and why it's being done can help ease
any fear. Make sure your child understands that there should be no foreign matter,
such as toilet paper or hair, in the sample. And all the urine should be collected
for the test to be accurate.
If You Have Questions
If you have questions about the urine creatinine test, speak with your doctor.