Kidney

Kidney - The kidney is the main excretory organ. It clears the body of waste material, detoxified waste, water and electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, chloride and bicarbonate. It helps to maintain body balance of these and other essential body chemicals. Hormones are made water soluble by the liver and excreted by the kidney. Most medications are dependant on the kidney to be cleared from the blood. Good kidney function is essential to the quality of life. Many toxic materials are harmful to the kidney including some medications. Aging, in general, gives rise to decreased kidney filtration and function.

Creatinine Clearance - A 24 hour urine is collected and a specific chemical, creatinine is measured. The per minute excretion is a measure of part of kidney function/filtration. This value is a measure of the kidney's ability to rid the body of toxics and other filtrates.