Change of creatinine method and eGFR calculation

From 26th September 2016 the Clinical Biochemistry department at Peterborough City Hospital will be making changes to the serum creatinine method and calculation of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in line with NICE guidance:
• Serum creatinine method – will change from the existing creatinine method (Jaffe, or picric acid) to an enzymatic method. This method has improved analytical performance and better specificity. It is already in use for paediatric samples
• Estimated glomerular filtration rate – will change from the existing MDRD equation to an updated equation to the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. The CKD-EPI equation has improved accuracy at higher levels of eGFR

The changes ensure our compliance with NICE Clinical Guideline 182 (CG182), and will mean that the method currently used in patients <18 years old or those with a hyperbilirubinaemia will be the primary method.

eGFR estimations continue not to be applicable to patients who are pregnant or <18 years old.

If you require any further information about this change, please contact the laboratory on 01733 678468 or email
peh-tr.chemimm@nhs.net.