In: Biology
1. Define free water clearance – write out the formulas, make up a scenario type question about free water clearance and show the work of how you solve your own question.
b. what does it mean when renal clearance is high? What does it mean when free water clearance is high?
Free water clearance represents the blood volume that gets cleared of electrolyte free (solute free) water per unit of time. It is calculated according to the following formula,
Free water clearance = V x (( 1 - (urine osmolality/serum osmolality))
When free water clearance is high, it implies that the kidneys are producing urine whose osmolality is lesser than that of plasma which also known as production of dilute urine.
Renal clearance refers to the ability of the kidney to get rid off a particular compound in blood. For example, sodium clearance and urea clearance. When renal clearance of particular compound is high, it represents it's removal from body.