Creatinine - Spot
Understanding Creatinine - Spot
What is Creatinine - Spot?
Creatinine - Spot is the test to measure the amount of creatinine in urine. Creatinine is the waste product of muscles metabolism. Normally creatinine is excreted out in urine but detection of abnormal levels (both high and low) of creatinine in urine may be due to impaired filtration capacity of kidneys. This condition might indicate a kidney damage. It is advisable to take this test in case of symptoms such as foam or blood in urine, painful urination, fatigue, loss of appetite and abdominal pain.
This test is also recommended to patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension on a regular basis as they are more prone to kidney problems.
What is Creatinine - Spot used for?
The creatinine - spot test is done:
In case of signs or symptoms of kidney disease or damage
To evaluate normal functioning of kidneys
To diagnose kidney diseases
To monitor treatment for kidney diseases
As a part of comprehensive or metabolic panel
What does Creatinine - Spot measure?
The creatinine - spot test measures the levels of creatinine in the urine. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the muscles due to the breakdown of a compound called Creatine. Creatinine is produced during the cycle of energy production which is required to contract muscles. Kidneys remove creatinine from the body by filtering it from the blood and then releasing it into the urine.
The body produces creatine and creatinine at a relatively same rate. Since kidneys filter most of the creatinine from the blood and release it into the urine, the blood levels can be used as an indicator to know how well the kidneys are functioning. The amount of creatinine produced depends on the muscle mass and general physique (size) of an individual. That is why levels of creatinine are higher in men as compared to women and children.
Interpreting Creatinine - Spot results
Interpretations
The range of creatinine - spot urine test lies in between 24.00 mg/dL and 392.00 mg/dL*.
*Reference range may vary from lab to lab.
High levels
Damage to the blood vessels of the kidneys
Swelling of the blood vessels of the kidneys
Infection of the kidneys such as bacterial infections
Death of cells in small tubes of kidneys
Prostate disease
Kidney disease
Obstruction in the urinary tract
Reduced flow of blood to kidneys
Low levels of creatinine do not have any significance. The cause of low levels can be due to decreased muscle mass.
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Creatinine - Spot
Frequently Asked Questions about Creatinine - Spot
Q. Is there any effect of exercise on creatinine levels?
Q. What are the conditions in which high levels of creatinine are seen?
Q. What are the conditions in which low levels of creatinine are seen?
Q. How is the urine sample collected?
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