Effective today, August 5, 2014, an order for PEDIATRIC GFR will be available in Epic (Epic # LAB7477).  This order will be for a plasma creatinine, with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculated by the pediatric Schwartz equation:

            GFR (mL/min/1.73 m^2) = (0.41 x Height) / (Plasma creatinine)

                 [Height in cm; plasma creatinine in mg/dL]

Key points regarding this order:

• This order requires that the ordering LIP input the height in centimeters (cm) at the time of placing the order.  Please use caution when placing future orders, especially if the height is likely to change significantly when the order is released and the blood sample drawn.
• This order cannot be carried out for patients 18 years or older as the Schwartz equation is not recommended for adult patients.
• This order is NOT recommended for premature infants in the first several months of life, for which more specialized equations for estimated GFR are indicated.
• Sample requirement is the same as for CREATINE (LAB66):
              Plasma separator tube
  
              3 mL whole blood in light green top tube or 1 microtainer

A screenshot of the order is below:

Questions should be directed to Matthew Krasowski, MD, PhD, Director of Clinical Laboratories (384-9380, matthew-krasowski@uiowa.edu).