Home›Serum Creatinine

Content created by

Written by

MSc, BSc

Reviewed by

Dr. Anupriya Nautiyal

MD Pathology, MBBS

Want to know more?
Read our Editorial Policy

Serum Creatinine

Also known as Creatinine test, S. Creatinine

₹149

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Earliest reports in

12 hours

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Serum Creatinine

What is Serum Creatinine?

The Serum Creatinine test measures the levels of creatinine (a waste product of muscles’ wear and tear during energy production) in the blood. This test is an important indicator of kidney function and overall health. It is commonly done as part of a kidney function test (KFT) or routine checkup.

Creatinine is a waste product formed in the body from the normal breakdown of muscles. The kidneys filter it from the blood and eliminate it via the urine. The Serum Creatinine test helps determine kidney health or diagnose kidney disorders.

The Serum Creatinine test is usually done when you are experiencing symptoms of kidney dysfunction, such as:

Changes in urination patterns
Swelling of the feet and ankles
Loss of appetite
Frequent tiredness, etc.

The doctor may suggest this test if an individual is at risk of developing any form of kidney disorder due to:

Diabetes
Obesity
High blood pressure
Heart disorders
Family history of kidney disease, etc.

Also, this test helps monitor response to treatment in individuals with kidney diseases and check whether certain medications affect the kidneys. Moreover, creatinine levels should be checked before surgery or medical manipulations to assess baseline kidney function.

No special preparation is required for this test. Eat and drink normally. However, inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, as they may affect the test results and therefore require dosage adjustments or temporary discontinuation before the test.

Test result ranges are approximate and may vary slightly from one laboratory to another, depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. The results will help the doctor determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage the kidney health, and formulate an overall treatment plan. Do not self-medicate and always consult a doctor to understand your test results correctly.

Lifestyle Tips to Keep Your Creatinine Levels in a Healthy Range:

🥤Hydration: Keep it up to help your kidneys flush out toxins and regulate creatinine levels.

🥙Eat (Diet): Eat fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and a low-sodium diet to support kidney health.

🚴‍♀️Activity (Exercise): Practice physical activities like walking, swimming, or yoga to improve kidney health.

😴 Lifestyle (Stress): Practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to manage stress.

👨‍⚕️Talk to Your Doctor (Consult): Do not self-medicate. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medications or supplements or making significant lifestyle changes.

🍺Habits (Alcohol & Smoking): These habits can negatively impact kidney health and elevate creatinine levels.

What is Serum Creatinine used for?

The Serum Creatinine test is done:

A. In Symptomatic Individuals

Swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles
Fatigue or weakness
Decreased urine output or changes in urination patterns
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Nausea or vomiting
Confusion or difficulty concentrating
Muscle cramps

B. In High-Risk Groups

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
History of kidney problems
Hypertension (high blood pressure) or cardiovascular disease
Diabetes
Obesity
Taking medications that can affect kidney function (e.g., NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors)

C. In Special Populations

Elderly individuals
People with a family history of kidney disease

D. In Individuals with Known Kidney Issues

Previously abnormal kidney function tests (KFT)
A confirmed diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD)

E. As Part Of the Kidney Function Test (KFT)

Routine monitoring of kidney function

What does Serum Creatinine measure?

The Serum Creatinine test measures the creatinine level, a byproduct produced by the wear and tear of muscles during energy production. Since kidneys help filter creatinine, this test helps determine how well your kidneys work. Usually, high levels of creatinine in the blood signal diminished kidney function. At the same time, low levels may indicate decreased muscle mass.

Interpreting Serum Creatinine results

Interpretations

Adult	Range
Males	0.6 - 1.2 mg/dL
Females	0.5 - 1.1 mg/dL

Frequently Asked Questions about Serum Creatinine

Q. What is the Serum Creatinine test used for?

The Serum Creatinine test is used to determine the levels of creatinine (a waste product of muscle’s wear and tear produced during energy production) in the blood. It helps evaluate how well your kidneys are working.

Q. How is the Serum Creatinine test performed?

A phlebotomist (a trained professional to perform blood draws) will clean your skin using an antiseptic alcohol cotton swab or wipe and take a blood sample from your vein using a needle. The blood sample will be stored safely and transported to the laboratory for analysis.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the Serum Creatinine test?

No, there is no risk associated with this test. However, some individuals may experience slight discomfort while the needle is being pricked to draw a sample.

Q. What are the possible physiological causes of high creatinine levels?

High creatinine levels may be caused by dehydration, increased protein intake, intense exercise, red meat consumption, or when taking creatine supplements, usually taken by athletes to enhance performance.

Q. What do high creatinine levels indicate?

High creatinine levels may signal reduced kidney function. However, it is best to consult a doctor to understand the test results correctly.

Q. What are the signs and symptoms of abnormal creatinine levels?

The signs and symptoms may include pain in the belly or middle back, foamy or bloody urine, painful urination, swollen feet and ankles, puffiness around the eyes, and fatigue (tiredness).

Q. How to reduce creatinine naturally?

The following measures may help reduce creatinine naturally: Drink more water, Eat less red meat, Avoid heavy workouts, Control blood pressure and diabetes, Limit salt and potassium (if advised), etc.

Q. What’s the difference between Serum Creatinine test and creatinine clearance tests?

The Serum Creatinine test measures creatinine in the blood, while the creatinine clearance test estimates how well kidneys clear creatinine from the blood, using both blood and 24-hour urine samples.