Serum Creatinine

Also known as Creatinine test, S. Creatinine

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Serum Creatinine

What is Serum Creatinine?

The Serum Creatinine test measures the level of creatinine, a waste product, in the blood. This test is a key indicator of the kidney function and overall health. It may be done as part of a kidney function or routine test.

Creatinine is a waste product produced from the normal breakdown of muscles. It is filtered out from the blood by the kidneys and eliminated via the urine. Therefore, the Serum Creatinine test helps evaluate kidneys’ health and detect kidney diseases.

The Serum Creatinine test is usually recommended when you experience symptoms of kidney dysfunction 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 problems, or a family history of kidney disease. Furthermore, it also helps monitor treatment response in patients with kidney disease.

The Serum Creatinine test is also vital in determining drug dosages and aids in monitoring potential drug-induced kidney toxicity. It is also often assessed before surgeries or medical procedures to evaluate baseline kidney function. 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 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?

The Serum Creatinine test is done:

To evaluate kidney function and detect any disease or disorder of the kidneys.
If you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
To monitor treatment response of kidney disease.
To determine drug dosages and monitor potential kidney toxicity that certain medications may cause.
To evaluate baseline kidney function before surgeries or medical procedures.

What does Serum Creatinine measure?

The 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 it from the blood and releasing it into the urine. Therefore, blood creatinine levels indicate how well the kidneys are functioning in filtering and removing waste products from the blood. Generally, higher creatinine levels in the blood may indicate reduced kidney function, while lower levels may suggest decreased muscle mass.

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 the Serum Creatinine test used for?

The Serum Creatinine test is used to measure the levels of creatinine in the blood that help determine how well your kidneys function.

Q. How is the Serum Creatinine test performed?

A phlebotomist (a trained professional to perform blood draws) will clean your skin using an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe and take a blood sample from your vein using a needle. The blood sample will be stored safely and transported to the laboratory for analysis.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the 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 normal bleeding that is usually not bothersome. Some people may experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times daily 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 may be caused by dehydration, increased protein intake, intense exercise, red meat consumption, or when taking creatine supplements, usually taken by athletes to enhance performance.