OVERVIEW
Creatinine is a chemical waste product that is produced by muscle metabolism. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine and other waste products from the blood. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, an increased level of creatinine may accumulate in the blood. A serum creatinine test measures the level of creatinine in the blood and provides an estimate of how well the kidneys filter.
WHY GET TESTED?
- This test is used to screen for excess creatinine in the blood.
- To help evaluate and monitor kidney function.
- To detect kidney damage.
- As a follow-up to a previous positive creatinine serum test.
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?
A creatinine serum test detects the presence of creatinine in the blood.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How is this test performed?
This test is performed on a blood sample. The blood is obtained from the vein by the healthcare provider in the following way.
- clean the skin
- put an elastic band above the area
- insert a needle into a vein (usually in the arm inside of the elbow or on the back of the hand)
- pull the blood sample into a vial or syringe
- take off the elastic band and remove the needle from the vein
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?
A creatinine serum test detects the presence of creatinine in the blood.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT:
Normal creatinine range from 0.9 to 1.3 mg/dL in men and 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL in women.
High serum creatinine levels in the blood indicate that the kidneys aren’t functioning properly.
The serum creatinine levels may be slightly elevated or higher than normal due to:
Elevated creatinine levels from an acute or chronic kidney injury, the level will not decrease until the problem is resolved. If it was temporarily or falsely elevated due to dehydration, a very high-protein diet, or supplement usage, then reversal of those conditions will lower the level. Also, a person receiving dialysis will have lower levels after treatment.