Serum creatinine is an important blood test that provides valuable insights into kidney health by measuring how well the kidneys filter waste from the bloodstream.
- What is Creatinine?
- Creatinine is a waste product generated by the normal breakdown of muscle tissue.
- The kidneys filter creatinine out of the blood, and it is eliminated from the body through urine.
- What Does the Serum Creatinine Test Measure?
- The serum creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in your blood.
- Elevated serum creatinine levels indicate that the kidneys may not be functioning properly, as they are not efficiently removing creatinine from the blood.
- Normal Serum Creatinine Levels:
- For men, the normal range is typically 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL.
- For women, the range is slightly lower, between 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL.
- These ranges can vary based on muscle mass, age, and other factors.
- Interpreting High and Low Results:
- High Creatinine Levels: Elevated levels suggest reduced kidney function or kidney disease. This could be due to conditions like chronic kidney disease, dehydration, or severe infections.
- Low Creatinine Levels: While less common, low levels may occur in individuals with low muscle mass, advanced liver disease, or certain chronic illnesses.
Monitoring serum creatinine is essential for detecting kidney problems early, especially in individuals with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease.
Recommended Tests:
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): Often ordered alongside serum creatinine, this test provides a more detailed picture of kidney function by estimating how well your kidneys filter waste.
eGFR Test - Potassium Test: High potassium levels may be a sign of kidney dysfunction, as the kidneys help regulate potassium balance in the body.
Potassium Test
