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Serum Creatinine

Also known as Creatinine test, S. Creatinine

₹149

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Serum Creatinine

What is Serum Creatinine?

The Serum Creatinine test measures the level of creatinine, a waste product, in the blood. This test is a key indicator of kidney function and overall health. It may be done as part of a kidney function test or routine checkup.

Creatinine is a waste product produced from the normal breakdown of muscles. It is filtered out from the blood by the kidneys and eliminated via the urine. Therefore, the Serum Creatinine test helps evaluate kidney health and detect kidney diseases.

The Serum Creatinine test is usually recommended when you experience symptoms of kidney dysfunction, such as:

Urinary changes
Swelling in the feet
Loss of appetite
Fatigue

The doctor may also advise this test if the individual has risk factors for any kidney disease, such as:

Diabetes
Obesity
High blood pressure
Heart problems
Family history of kidney disease

Furthermore, it also helps monitor treatment response in patients with kidney disease.

The Serum Creatinine test is also vital in determining drug dosages and aids in monitoring potential drug-induced kidney toxicity. It is also often assessed before surgeries or medical procedures to evaluate baseline kidney function. Usually, no special preparation is required for a creatinine test. Eat and drink as per the daily routine.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to the doctor about the specific test results. Narrate the complete medical history to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. 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.

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 major 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 kidneys’ function

What does Serum Creatinine measure?

The Serum Creatinine test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a byproduct of muscles’ wear and tear during energy production. The kidneys remove it from the body by filtering it from the blood and releasing it into the urine. Therefore, blood creatinine levels indicate how well the kidneys are functioning in filtering and removing waste products from the blood. Generally, higher creatinine levels in the blood may indicate reduced kidney function, while lower levels may suggest decreased muscle mass.

Interpreting Serum Creatinine results

Interpretations

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

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Serum Creatinine

Frequently Asked Questions about Serum Creatinine

Q. What is the Serum Creatinine test used for?

The Serum Creatinine test is used to measure the levels of creatinine in the blood that help determine how well your kidneys function.

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?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting while the needle is pricked and may experience some normal bleeding that is usually not bothersome. Some people may experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times daily for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

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?

Always consult your doctor if you have high creatinine levels, as they might be an indication of reduced kidney function.

Q. What are high creatinine symptoms?

Common symptoms of high creatinine are: Fatigue, Swelling in legs or ankles, Nausea, Shortness of breath, Changes in urination, etc.

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.