Evaluating the necessity of collecting ultra-filtered plasma samples in determining glomerular filtration rate values.

Conclusions: Because the paired t-test produced a p-value of <0.05, the null hypothesis that there is no statistical difference in GFR between original plasma samples and ultrafiltrate samples was rejected. Although there is a statistical difference, this variance is relatively static between samples and may possibly be incorporated into formulas used to calculate GFR. Additional studies could be performed to confirm the uniformity in the percent difference between filtered and unfiltered samples. Furthermore, subsequent studies could be carried out to determine which set of calculated GFR values is more accurate. Ultimately, collecting an additional ultrafiltrate sample three hours post-injection may be beneficial for NM departments to more accurately determine patient GFR values. Accurate GFR determination aids in assessing the potential for rejection in prospective kidney donors, and also allows health care professionals to formulate the best course of treatment for patients in renal failure.
Source: Journal of Nuclear Medicine - Category: Nuclear Medicine Authors: Tags: Technologist Student Papers I Source Type: research