Serum Creatinine Test

Our Serum Creatinine Test is an essential tool for measuring the level of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a waste product that comes from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue, and it's usually filtered out of the blood by the kidneys.

Elevated levels of creatinine in the blood can indicate reduced kidney function, which can be a sign of kidney disease. This test is especially important for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. Our online medical laboratory makes it easy to book and receive your test results from the comfort of your own home.

What is Creatinine?

Creatinine is a waste product that is produced in the muscles during normal muscle metabolism. It is transported to the kidneys where it is filtered out of the blood and excreted in urine. Creatinine is a commonly used marker of kidney function as it is produced at a relatively constant rate by the body and is almost exclusively excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels of creatinine in the blood can be a sign of kidney dysfunction or damage, and is often used as a diagnostic test to assess kidney function.

Why Serum Creatinine Test Advised?

The serum creatinine test is advised to assess kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product produced by the muscles, and it is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, creatinine levels can build up in the blood, indicating kidney damage or dysfunction.

The serum creatinine test is commonly used to:

1. Diagnose and monitor kidney disease: Elevated creatinine levels in the blood can be a sign of kidney disease, and monitoring creatinine levels can help assess the progression of the disease.
2. Monitor the effectiveness of treatment: Changes in creatinine levels can indicate whether treatments for kidney disease are working effectively.
3. Assess kidney function before surgery: If a person is having surgery, the serum creatinine test may be ordered to assess kidney function before anaesthesia and medications are administered.
4. Screen for kidney disease: The serum creatinine test may be included in routine blood work to screen for kidney disease in people with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.

What if creatinine level is high?

If creatinine levels are high, it may indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly. High levels of creatinine in the blood can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Kidney disease or damage: This can be caused by several factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, and medications.
2. Dehydration: When a person is dehydrated, their kidneys may not be able to filter creatinine effectively, leading to higher levels in the blood.
3. Muscle damage or disease: When there is muscle damage or disease, creatinine levels may be elevated due to increased production of creatinine in the muscles.
4. Blockage in the urinary tract: A blockage in the urinary tract, such as a kidney stone or tumour, can cause an increase in creatinine levels.