Serum Creatinine

Also known as Creatinine test, S. Creatinine

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Understanding Serum Creatinine

What is Serum Creatinine?

A Serum Creatinine test measures the level of creatinine, a waste product, in the blood to check how well your kidneys are functioning. This test may be done to evaluate your kidneys’ health or detect kidney diseases. This test is done as part of routine tests or a kidney function test.

Creatinine is a chemical waste produced from the normal breakdown of muscles in the body. It is filtered by the kidneys and eliminated via the urine. A Serum Creatinine test is performed when you experience symptoms such as urinary changes, swelling in the feet, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Your doctor may also advise this test if you have risk factors for any kidney disease, such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart problem, or a family history of kidney disease. This test also serves as a useful tool to monitor ongoing treatment response for known kidney disease. Usually, no special preparation is required for a creatinine test; eat and drink as per your daily routine.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The results will help the doctor determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your kidney health, and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What is Serum Creatinine used for?

A Serum Creatinine test is done:

To evaluate the normal functioning of the kidneys.
To help detect any disease affecting the kidneys.
To screen for kidney disease if you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
To monitor treatment response of kidney diseases.
As part of the metabolic panel.
To monitor the side effects of certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen), antibiotics (vancomycin), ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, enalapril), and diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).

What does Serum Creatinine measure?

A Serum Creatinine test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a byproduct of muscles’ wear and tear during energy production. The kidneys remove it from the body by filtering from the blood and releasing it into the urine. Therefore, blood creatinine levels can be an indicator to know how well the kidneys are working.

Interpreting Serum Creatinine results

Interpretations

Adult	Range
Males	0.6 - 1.2 mg/dL
Females	0.5 - 1.1 mg/dL

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Serum Creatinine

Frequently Asked Questions about Serum Creatinine

Q. What is a Serum Creatinine test used for?

A Serum Creatinine test is used to measure the levels of creatinine in the blood that helps determine how well your kidneys are functioning.

Q. Is there any risk associated with a Serum Creatinine test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting while the needle is pricked and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely some people may experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

Q. What are the signs and symptoms of abnormal creatinine levels?

The signs and symptoms that might indicate abnormal creatinine levels include belly pain, pain in the middle back, foamy or bloody urine, painful urination, swollen feet and ankles, puffiness around the eyes, and fatigue (tiredness).

Q. What are the possible physiological causes of high creatinine levels?

High creatinine levels are usually caused due to dehydration, increased protein intake, intense exercise, red meat consumption, or when taking creatine supplements, which are usually taken by athletes to enhance performance.

Q. What do high creatinine levels indicate?

Always consult your doctor if you have high creatinine levels as they might be an indication of acute or chronic kidney failure, urinary tract obstruction, hypothyroidism, nephrotoxic drugs, shock, and congestive heart failure.

+ more