Assessing renal function with a rapid, handy, point-of-care whole blood creatinine meter before using contrast materials.

PURPOSE

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the reliability of a rapid, handy, point-of-care whole blood creatinine meter (PCM) in patients who were scheduled to undergo contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among patients scheduled to undergo contrast-enhanced CT or MRI examinations, 113 patients who did not have creatinine data from the prescribed intervals before the examination day (in principle, 90 days for scheduled outpatients and 7 days for inpatients and urgent patients) were included. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the creatinine values measured with the PCM and those from central laboratory measurements (LAB). The two eGFR values were compared statistically with the paired t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and the Bland-Altman analysis.

RESULTS

The mean eGFR measured with the PCM was slightly higher than the LAB value (81.2 ± 24.6 vs. 70.2 ± 19.7 ml/min/1.73 m(2), P < 0.0001). They were well correlated (r = 0.74, y = 0.92x + 16.9, P < 0.0001). Bland-Altman plots (mean difference was 11.0 ml/min/1.73 m(2); limits of agreement were -22.4 to +44.4 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) showed a moderate agreement with some degree of dispersion.

CONCLUSION

The PCM can rapidly assess renal function using a small amount of blood almost equally to that of determined in the laboratory, which may help reduce the risk of contrast material-induced complications.