Question 1

How is the blood sample taken?

Accepted Answer

To take the blood sample, a tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is asked to make a fist. This helps in the buildup of blood filling the veins and it becomes easy to collect the blood. The skin is cleaned before inserting the needle in the vein in order to prevent bacteria from entering. The needle is then inserted into the vein in the arm and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

Question 2

What are the signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction?

Accepted Answer

The signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction include fatigue, lack of concentration, poor appetite, difficulty in sleeping, swelling or puffiness around the eyes or in the face, wrists, abdomen, thighs, or ankles; foamy, bloody, or coffee-colored urine, decrease in the amount of urine, burning sensation while urinating, abnormal discharge during urination, or a change in the frequency of urination, especially at night; pain in mid-back, below the ribs, near the location of kidneys, and high blood pressure.

Question 3

What preparation is required before giving a blood sample for a creatinine test?

Accepted Answer

It is advised to fast overnight and avoid eating cooked meat as the consumption of cooked meat can cause an increase in levels of creatinine.

Question 4

Which conditions can cause an increase in levels of creatinine?

Accepted Answer

The conditions which can cause an increase in levels of creatinine include damage or swelling of blood vessels in the kidneys caused due to infection or autoimmune diseases, bacterial infection of the kidneys, death of cells in the kidneys, conditions that can block the flow of urine in urinary tract like kidney stone or prostate disease, and reduced blood flow to the kidney which can be due to shock, congestive heart failure, dehydration, atherosclerosis, or complications of diabetes.

Question 5

Should I inform my doctor if I am taking any medicines?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines or supplements as it might interfere with the test results.

Question 6

What is CKD?

Accepted Answer

CKD refers to Chronic Kidney Disease. The two main causative factors of CKD are high blood pressure and diabetes. In this, there is a slow and progressive decrease in kidney function.

Question 7

What other tests can be advised to monitor the functioning of kidneys?

Accepted Answer

The other tests that can be advised to monitor the functioning of kidneys include urine albumin, albumin/creatinine ratio, creatinine clearance rate, urinalysis, and renal panel.

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