Serum Creatinine

The Serum Creatinine test checks for creatinine levels in your blood and gives a picture of how well your kidneys are working to your doctor. The test is usually prescribed along with other lab tests like Basic Metabolic Panel test, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test and Blood Urea Nitrogen test.

What is Creatinine?

Creatinine is the waste product that is produced by the muscles, as a consequence of everyday activities. Kidneys help in removing this waste product from the blood and then is excreted via urine. Serum creatinine measure is then important to ascertain the functioning of the kidneys.

What is the Serum Creatinine test used for?

Serum creatinine test is used to gauge the functioning of kidneys. The test also is done in conjunction with other panel tests to profile the functioning of the kidneys. Serum creatinine is also a part of the annual exams for routine checkups.

When should I get a Serum Creatinine test?

Serum creatinine test is done when the doctor suspects kidney disease, the symptoms of which include:

• Fatigue
• Foamy or bloody urine
• Frequent urination
• Nausea
• Painful urination
• Puffiness around the eyes
• Suppressed appetite
• Swelling in the ankles, feet, wrists, or abdomen
• Vomiting

Serum creatinine is also checked if people have health issues that can lead to kidney problems. These include:

• Diabetes, type I, and type II
• Drug abuse
• Dehydration
• Congestive heart failure
• Family history of kidney disease
• Hypertension

Moreover, serum creatinine is also conducted when facing kidney problems that include:

• Blocked urinary tract
• Glomerulonephritis
• Kidney stones
• Poststreptococcal
• Prostate issues like enlarged prostate
• Pyelonephritis

How is a Serum Creatinine test conducted?

For a serum creatinine test, a phlebotomist will draw some blood from a vein in your arm using a sterile needle. After that a bandage will be applied to the site of injection. You might feel a stinging or throbbing pain when the needle goes in and out of your skin but the pain goes away as soon as the needle leaves your skin.

Serum Creatinine normal range

The measure of creatinine in your blood is contingent on your age and your health. The normal range is considered to be 0.9 to 1.3 ml/dL for men, and 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL for women.

If the levels turn out to be higher, it could be attributed to various factors, including:

• Complications of diabetes
• Congestive heart failure
• Autoimmune diseases
• Dehydration
• Kidney disease
• Urinary tract issues

Some conditions can temporarily increase creatinine levels, these include:

• Intense physical activity
• Diet that is high in protein
• Certain medication
• Pregnancy

Low levels of creatinine are rarer, and mostly not a cause for concern. They can be caused due to:

• Pregnancy
• Extreme weight loss
• Low muscle mass
  

What are the risks of a Serum Creatinine test?

Serum creatinine blood test does not carry many risks, but the general minor risks involved in blood tests include:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Infection
• Soreness
• Those with needle phobia might also faint or feel light headed

How long does it take to get the Serum Creatinine test results?

The test results for serum creatinine are generally available within a few days, if not 24 hours.