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Creatinine

Overview
What is Creatinine?
Creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in the blood. It is also known as blood creatinine or serum creatinine test. Creatinine is a waste product which is produced by muscles as a result of the breakdown of the compound known as creatine.
Why is Creatinine done?
To evaluate the normal functioning of kidneys
To diagnose kidney diseases
To monitor treatment for kidney diseases
As a part of the metabolic panel
What does Creatinine Measure?
Creatinine is a waste product which is produced by the muscles due to the breakdown of a compound called Creatine. During the cycle of energy production which is required to contract muscles, creatine is produced. Kidneys remove creatinine from the body by filtering it from the blood and then releasing it into the urine. This test measures the amount of creatinine in the blood.
The body produces creatine and creatinine at a relatively same rate. Since kidneys filter most of the creatinine from the blood and release it into the urine, the blood levels can be used as an indicator to know how well the kidneys are functioning. The amount of creatinine produced depends upon the size of the person as well as their muscle mass. That is why levels of creatinine are higher in men as compared to women and children.
Interpreting Creatinine results
Interpretations
Adult | Range |
Males | 0.6 - 1.2 mg/dL |
Females | 0.5 - 1.1 mg/dL |