PAH is used to measure-
**Core Concept**
The para-amino hippurate (PAH) clearance test is a method used to measure renal plasma flow (RPF). It is based on the principle that PAH is almost completely cleared from the bloodstream by the kidneys and is a measure of the blood flow through the kidneys.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
PAH is cleared from the bloodstream by the kidneys through a process that involves the renal blood vessels. The PAH clearance test measures the rate at which PAH is cleared from the bloodstream and is used as an estimate of the renal plasma flow. This is because PAH is freely filtered by the glomeruli and is not reabsorbed or secreted by the renal tubules, making it an ideal substance for measuring renal plasma flow. The PAH clearance rate is calculated by dividing the amount of PAH cleared from the bloodstream by the concentration of PAH in the blood.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Extracellular fluid (ECF) refers to the total amount of fluid outside the cells, including plasma and interstitial fluid. While the PAH clearance test does involve the measurement of plasma, it is not used to measure ECF.
**Option B:** The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a measure of the rate at which the glomeruli filter fluid from the blood. While the PAH clearance test is related to GFR, it is not used to measure GFR directly.
**Option D:** Plasma value refers to the concentration of a substance in the blood plasma. While PAH concentration is measured in the PAH clearance test, the test itself is used to measure renal plasma flow, not plasma value.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The PAH clearance test is a useful method for measuring renal plasma flow, but it has some limitations. For example, it does not measure the blood flow to the renal cortex or medulla, and it is affected by changes in blood pressure and the presence of renal disease.
**β Correct Answer: C. Renal plasma flow**