A study is conducted to standardize laboratory equipment in a hospital network. In one hospital, 2 healthy volunteers undergo testing. Both are found to have a serum creatinine level of 1.1 mg/dL. Glomerular filtration rate is estimated using the same equation and reveals values of 118 mL/min in one volunteer and 70 mL/min in the other. A difference in which of the following parameters best explains the observed laboratory findings in these volunteers?

Question

A study is conducted to standardize laboratory equipment in a hospital network.  In one hospital, 2 healthy volunteers undergo testing.  Both are found to have a serum creatinine level of 1.1 mg/dL.  Glomerular filtration rate is estimated using the same equation and reveals values of 118 mL/min in one volunteer and 70 mL/min in the other.  A difference in which of the following parameters best explains the observed laboratory findings in these volunteers?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Creatinine, a waste product generated by the breakdown of creatine in the muscles, is used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).  Creatinine formation is dependent on muscle mass and meat intake; therefore, patients with low muscle mass (eg, elderly patient, those with amputations) or low intake (eg, low-protein vegetarian diet) can have significantly lower GFRs for any given creatinine level.

A Study Is Conducted to Standardize Laboratory Equipment in a Hospital