Creatinine

What is the need for a study?

The test is used to assess kidney function and to monitor the treatment of kidney disease.

When should I be tested?

The test is recommended:
1. as part of a routine laboratory test;
2. in case of suspected renal impairment (usually in combination with a urinalysis);
3. when you experience symptoms of kidney failure, such as fatigue, lack of concentration, decreased appetite, sleep disturbances, swelling (especially around the eyes and face, wrists, abdomen, hips and knees), foamy or dark urine, decreased urine output, burning sensation when urinating or changes in the frequency of urination (especially at night), pain in the mid-spine, below the ribs, in the kidney area, high blood pressure.
4. with an acute or chronic disease that may damage the kidneys and/or worsen renal impairment;
5. before a planned radiological procedure (e.g. CT scan);
6. before and after dialysis to monitor its effectiveness;
7. when periodic monitoring of renal treatment or assessment of kidney function during medication is needed.

What sample is needed for the test?

Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm.

How to prepare for the survey?

There is no special preparation.

What do my creatinine results mean?

Elevated blood creatinine levels reveal diseases or conditions that affect kidney function, such as:
1. damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys (glomerulonephritis) caused by infection or autoimmune disease;
2. bacterial kidney infection (pyelonephritis);
3. cell death in the renal tubules (acute tubular necrosis) caused, for example, by drugs or toxic substances;
4. prostate disease, kidney stones, or other factors causing urinary tract obstruction (blockage of the urinary tract’s free flow of water);
5. reduced blood flow to the kidneys due to shock, dehydration, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis or complications of diabetes;
Creatinine levels may temporarily increase due to muscle damage. Lower creatinine levels are an uncommon finding and are usually not a cause for concern. May be due to:
1. conditions that reduce muscle mass;
2. during pregnancy.
Antibiotics in the cephalosporin group may increase creatinine levels in the blood, but such an increase does not reflect kidney damage. Creatinine levels do not usually change with normal feeding. For people who eat a lot of meat, it can be 10-30% higher.

Related studies

Urine, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), uric acid, urinary creatinine, CRB, glucose

Related conditions/diseases.

Kidney failure, glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, acute tubular necrosis, kidney stones, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus.

You can consult our family doctors.

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