Creatinine what does it measure

High levels in the blood might indicate that the kidneys are not working correctly. The creatinine blood test helps doctors to diagnose kidney disease. A poorly functioning kidney cannot filter creatinine as well as it usually does, which causes levels in the blood to rise. The body produces creatinine at a steady rate, and measuring the levels only requires a routine blood sample.

Measuring creatinine levels is an excellent way to identify the glomerular filtration rate GFR , which is an indicator of overall kidney function. People experience very few signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease , so monitoring creatinine levels is crucial. It is best to discuss any medical conditions and any family history of kidney disease at the time of the blood test. The blood test involves collecting blood from a vein in the arm or hand. The doctor then sends the sample to a lab for analysis.

The kidneys are responsible for keeping the level of creatinine in the blood within a normal range. Doctors use the result of the creatinine blood test to calculate GFR , which is a more specific measure that can indicate chronic kidney disease. A level of 15 or less is defined medically as kidney failure.

A blockage in the flow of urine, such as an enlarged prostate or kidney stone , could cause kidney obstruction. The medical term for this condition is hydronephrosis.

Severe dehydration is a risk factor for kidney injury, which will affect creatinine levels. What a person eats can have a significant impact on creatinine levels. For example, proteins and cooked meat contain creatinine, so eating more than the recommended amount of meat or other proteins for your activity levels, or adding extra protein to the diet through supplements can cause high creatinine levels.

Creatine is present in the muscles and helps them produce energy. Rigorous exercise can increase creatinine levels by increasing muscle breakdown. Antibiotics , such as trimethoprim, and H2 blockers, such as cimetidine, can cause a temporary increase in measured serum creatinine levels. Because the breakdown of muscle produces creatinine, low muscle mass can result in low levels of creatinine.

High levels of creatinine may indicate that your kidney is damaged and not working properly. Creatinine blood tests are usually performed along with several other laboratory tests, including a blood urea nitrogen BUN test and a basic metabolic panel BMP or comprehensive metabolic panel CMP.

These tests are done during routine physical exams to help diagnose certain diseases and to check for any problems with your kidney function.

Your doctor may order a creatinine blood test to assess your creatinine levels if you show signs of kidney disease. These symptoms include:. Aminoglycoside medications, such as gentamicin Garamycin, Gentasol , can also cause kidney damage in some people. You can and should eat and drink the same as you do normally to get an accurate result.

Some drugs may increase your creatinine levels without causing kidney damage and interfere with your test results. Let your doctor know if you take:. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking your medication or to adjust your dosage before the test. A healthcare provider first asks you to pull up your sleeves so that your arm is exposed.

They sterilize the injection site with an antiseptic and then tie a band around your arm. This makes the veins swell with blood, allowing them to find a vein more easily. Once they find a vein, they insert a needle into it to collect the blood. In most cases, a vein on the inside of the elbow is used. After the healthcare provider removes the needle, they put a bandage over the puncture wound.

Once enough blood is drawn, the sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Your doctor will give you the results within a few days of testing. People who are more muscular tend to have higher creatinine levels. Results may also vary depending on age and gender. This is an important question.

These are two different lab tests. Serum creatinine is part of a routine lab report; creatinine clearance is not. Creatinine clearance requires a timed urine sample.

All the urine you have passed within a specific time period — usually hours — is saved collected in a container and tested. The result shows how much creatinine has passed through your kidneys into your urine. It helps show how well your kidneys are removing the waste products from your blood. There is help! Learn more about kidney disease and what you can do to stay healthy and prevent the progression of kidney disease here.

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