Creatinine - Spot

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Urine sample must preferably be the midstream urine (part of urine that comes after first and before the last stream). Collect the urine sample in a sealed and sterile container provided by our sample collection professional. Make sure that the container doesn't come in contact with your skin. Women are advised not to give the sample during the menstrual period unless prescribed.

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?

No, the creatinine levels are not affected by moderate exercise. However, the levels may increase if the muscle mass is increased.

Q. What are the conditions in which high levels of creatinine are seen?

High levels of creatinine are seen in cases of kidney infections, damage to blood vessels of the kidneys, swelling of blood vessels of the kidneys, and death of cells in small tubes of kidneys. These increased levels can also be the result of prostate disease, kidney disease, obstruction in the urinary tract, reduced blood flow to the kidneys, and muscle injury. Moreover, some medicines can also cause levels of creatinine to rise.

Q. What are the conditions in which low levels of creatinine are seen?

Low levels of creatinine can be seen in cases of pregnancy.

Q. How is the urine sample collected?

As the test is performed on the urine sample. It is essential to prevent contamination of the sample with microorganisms naturally present on the skin. During urine collection, women should spread the labia (outer lips of the vagina) while men should retract or pull back the foreskin (fold of skin covering the glans or head of the penis). Start urinating normally and let some urine flow before collecting 20 to 30 ml urine the sterilized container available from the lab or any pharmacy. After collecting the sample, finish urinating into the toilet or urinal. This process is called midstream clean catch method. The urine sample may also be collected using a catheter inserted through the urethra directly into the urinary bladder. Sample collected through a catheter usually has no contamination.

+ more