Final answer:
Inulin is the gold standard for measuring Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) because its urinary excretion directly reflects its filtration rate, making it an accurate indicator of kidney function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gold standard of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) determination is inulin, a plant polysaccharide. Inulin is injected intravenously to determine GFR because it is neither secreted nor absorbed by the kidney.
This means its presence in the urine is directly proportional to its filtration rate, providing an accurate measure of GFR. The kidney's capacity to filter blood can be assessed by the GFR.
It is critical in both the medical management of patients and adjusting dosages for medications that are primarily excreted by the kidneys.
Though inulin is the standard for measuring GFR, in clinical practice, creatinine clearance is frequently used due to the complexity of measuring inulin clearance.