Creatinine, Serum

Serum creatinine test is a vital test that determines how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine is the waste product produced through the breakdown of muscle and protein. It is the function of the kidneys to filter it out from blood and excrete it out through urine. 

A s creatinine test is done to ascertain the renal function. If the kidneys’ ability to filter out the creatinine is affected, then its levels rise in the blood. The accumulation of this waste chemical in the blood can lead to swelling of the body, especially face and feet, vomitings and decreased urine output. Low levels of serum creatinine indicate low muscle mass. Evaluation of Creatinine levels in the blood will help the doctor to take measures to improve your kidneys’ health. 

Apollo 24|7’s serum creatinine test prices are kept competitive. 

Who should get the creatinine test done? 

• People who have kidney-related problems
• People experiencing unexplained swelling in the body
• People with swollen ankles 
• People who are experiencing decreased urine output
  
  Medically reviewed by Dr Shakti, General Physician/Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi

Frequently asked questions

How is the blood sample taken?

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.

What are the signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction?

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.

What other tests can be advised along with the creatinine test?

The other tests which can be advised along with creatinine test include blood urea nitrogen and urine albumin test especially if a person has known kidney disorder or a disease.

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

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.

Which conditions can cause an increase in levels of creatinine?

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.

What are the signs and symptoms of kidney disease?

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.

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

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

What are the signs of kidney problems?

The signs and symptoms of kidney dysfunction include fatigue, poor appetite, lack of concentration, poor cognition, difficulty in sleeping, swelling or puffiness around the eyes or at the ankles. Foamy or coffee coloured urine and high blood pressure are also signs.

Does excess creatinine require medical intervention?

Yes. You would require doctor consultation and treatment, which may include  dialysis, if the creatinine levels are high. This is why a serum creatinine test at regular intervals becomes necessary.

What does high creatinine indicate?

High creatinine levels in the s creatinine test indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly. This needs proper evaluation and management by the doctor, so that a timely diagnosis can be made and treatment initiated at the earliest. Many times delay in treatment can lead to loss of kidney function and need for dialysis.

What are the signs of high creatinine levels?

Watch out if you have muscular cramps, shortness of breath, swelling of body, especially face and feet, vomiting, nausea, decrease  in urination, blood in urine, fatigue and chest pain. Do not delay in consulting a kidney specialist (nephrologist).