OVERVIEW
What is Creatinine?
It is a waste product that is made when a compound in muscle called creatine (produces energy needed to contract muscle) breaks down. It is removed from the body via the kidneys. Almost all of creatinine is filtered from the blood and into the urine. Creatinine amount produced by the body depends upon muscle mass & body size, so males have slightly higher levels than females & children.
What is creatinine (fluid) lab test?
Creatinine levels in blood are a good indicator of how well the kidneys are working. Therefore, this test is conducted to measure the level of creatinine in blood and in urine.
Why is the creatinine (fluid) lab test done?
The test is done:
- As it helps in evaluating the health of kidneys
- As it helps in diagnosis of kidney diseases
- As it helps in monitoring of kidney disease treatment
- It helps in measuring ultrafiltration capacity of the peritoneal membrane in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis
- As creatinine by product is all filtered in urine, so its high levels in blood helps identify urine leakage into a body compartment.
- It serves useful in measurement of body fluid for determination of bladder rupture
- When is the creatinine test taken?
It is done when a person shows symptoms of kidney disease like because of diabetes or high blood pressure etc.
- Is some sort of preparation required before taking a creatinine blood test?
As such no fasting or avoidance of foods/drinks is required. But a person should inform the doctor of OTC medications that they've taken.
- What other tests are ordered with creatinine blood tests?
Other kidney tests include blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
- What should be avoided if you have high creatinine levels?
You must reduce the intake of too much proteins like red meat and dairy products. And try eating vegetable-based dishes.
- Which symptoms arise when creatinine is high?
They include nausea, chest pain, muscle cramps, vomiting, fatigue, changes in urination frequency/appearance, and high blood pressure.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS:
Creatinine normal range is:
- In men: 0.9 to 1.3 mg/dL
- In women: 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL
High serum creatinine levels mean:
- A blocked urinary tract
- Dehydration
- High protein diet
- Kidney damage or kidney infection
- Reduced blood flow to kidneys because of congestive heart failure, shock and complications of diabetes.
You get tested for determining proper kidney function and diagnosing any kidney diseases.