Creatinine Test
What is Creatinine Test?
A creatinine test is a blood test that measures the amount of creatinine in your blood. It can help determine how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine is a waste product that is produced when your body processes muscle metabolism. High creatinine levels can indicate that your kidneys are not functioning correctly.
What is the purpose of Creatinine test?
A Creatinine test is used to measure the level of creatinine in your blood. It is an important indicator of kidney function, as creatinine is a waste product that is processed and removed from the body by the kidneys. High creatinine levels can indicate that the kidneys are not working properly.
Types of Creatinine Test
There are two main types of creatinine tests: Serum Creatinine Test and Urine Creatinine Test.
- Serum Creatinine Test – This test measures the amount of creatinine in the blood. It is usually done along with a blood test for other chemicals, such as creatinine clearance.
- Urine Creatinine Test – This test measures the amount of creatinine in the urine. It is usually done to test for kidney disease.
Why is Creatinine Test done?
Creatinine tests are usually done to check for kidney disease, as well as other conditions such as diabetes, dehydration, or heart failure. High creatinine levels can be an early sign of kidney disease.
When is Creatinine Test done?
Creatinine tests can be done periodically (usually annually) as part of a routine medical check-up to screen for kidney disease. They may also be done more frequently if you already have kidney disease or diabetes, or if you are taking certain medications that can affect the kidneys. If you have symptoms such as fatigue, swelling or difficulty urinating, your doctor may also order a creatinine test.
Preparation for Creatinine Test
Usually no special preparation is needed for a creatinine test. However, if you are taking medications, you should tell your doctor. Some medications may affect the results of the test, such as those that are taken to reduce cholesterol or blood pressure.
Risks associated with Creatinine Test
There are usually no risks associated with a creatinine test, as it is a non-invasive test and only requires a blood or urine sample. However, it is important to talk to your doctor if there are any concerns.