Creatinine Serum Test

CREATININE TEST

The Creatinine serum test is a blood test done to assess the functional capacity of your kidneys. Creatinine is a chemical that is released in the bloodstream from the muscles in your body every day.

Results of the creatinine blood test are interpreted along with BUN results, and with other test results that may have been performed at the same time, such as a renal panel. BUN and creatinine levels that are within the ranges established by the laboratory performing the test suggest that your kidneys are functioning as they should.

Why is the creatinine serum test prescribed?            

There are different reasons to undergo the creatinine blood test.When the doctor witnesses high and low levels of creatinine, a creatinine blood test is recommended.

High levels are seen in: 

• Damage to or swelling of blood vessels in the kidneys (glomerulonephritis) caused by, for example, infection or autoimmune diseases 

• Bacterial infection of the kidneys (pyelonephritis)

• Death of cells in the kidneys' small tubes (acute tubular necrosis) caused by, for example, drugs or toxins

• Conditions that can block the flow of urine in the urinary tract, such as prostate disease or a kidney stone 

• Reduced blood flow to the kidney due to shock, dehydration, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, or complications of diabetes 

Low blood levels of creatinine are seen in:

• Decreased muscle mass - Muscular dystrophy, old age 

• Severe liver & kidney diseases 3.Prolonged low-protein diet

Components of the Creatinine Serum Test

The creatinine normal range for male and females depends on different factors. Below are two different normal range levels.

Creatinine normal range for male blood:

Men: 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL

Women: 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL

Urine Creatinine Levels (for a 24-hour collection):

Men: 1,500 to 2,500 mg/day

Women: 1,000 to 1,800 mg/day

Preparation and Perquisites

There is no special preparation required to undergo the creatinine serum test. However, stay hydrated before the test. Avoid doing any intense exercise before the test, as it can lead to muscle breakdown and a temporary rise in creatinine levels, so it’s recommended to avoid heavy workouts in the days before the test. You’ll be provided with a large container for urine collection, and it’s crucial to follow the given instructions closely, as even a small missed sample can impact the accuracy of the results. If the blood test is conducted, the clinician will withdraw a blood sample from your vein, and it will take only a few minutes.