GFR Measurement
What is a GFR Measurement?
A Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) measurement is carried out to measure how well your kidneys filter your blood.
What is involved?
A small injection with a special radioactive (Chromium-51) tracer will
be injected into a vein, usually in your arm. The injection is no more
painful than a blood test.
After a delay of two hours we will take a blood sample from another vein,
again in your arm,
and after a further two hours we will take a second blood sample.
You may leave the department between each part of the procedure.
But you must attend for the blood samples at the times given to you by the technician or radiographer. You can eat and drink normally. After the second blood sample you will be free to go.
How long will it take?
The whole test takes about four and a half hour, but you are free to leave the department between the different parts of the procedure.
Do I need to do anything before and after the test?
Before the test you may eat and drink normally, but do not consume any
alcohol in the previous 24 hours as this can affect the result.
After the test you do not need to take any precautions and can eat and
drink normally.
Is the radiation dangerous?
The amount of radiation you receive is small. It is comparable to that of an X-ray examination. The substances we inject are non-toxic and will not make you feel sick or drowsy.
What about pregnancy?
The amount of radioactivity we use for this test is so low that there is no risk to any unborn child.
What about breastfeeding?
Radioactive substances can come out in breast milk. Please phone the Nuclear Medicine Department before your test if you are breastfeeding, so that we can advise you if you need to stop feeding for a length of time.
Can I bring a friend or relative with me?
A friend or relative can attend with you but they will not be able to accompany you for the injection or when we take the blood samples.
Can I still look after children and pets?
You do not have to take any special precautions when dealing with small children or pets after this procedure. The radiation from your body is so small that it will not affect anybody near you.
Can I return to work after my test?
Yes, there is usually no problem.
What about my result?
As the blood samples will be analysed at a later time we are unable to tell you the result of the test. The results will be sent to the doctor who requested the test.
If you have any further questions after reading this information
please contact:
The Nuclear Medicine Department (01202) 442499
References
This information has been produced by:
Head of Nuclear Medicine: Mr Lars Jansson
Date Produced: February 2007
Review Date: February 2008
Responsible Clinician: Dr NK Robson, Consultant Radiologist
