Creatinine, Serum

Creatinine test is a simple blood test that measures the amount of creatinine in your body. Creatinine is a waste product produced by your muscles during normal activity and protein metabolism. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine out of your blood and remove it from your body through urine. The serum creatinine test reflects how well your kidneys are functioning by detecting the level of creatinine remaining in your bloodstream. Elevated creatinine levels often indicate impaired kidney function, as damaged kidneys cannot efficiently remove this waste product. This test is commonly part of routine health check-ups or used to monitor existing kidney conditions.

Creatinine is a chemical byproduct formed naturally in your muscles during energy production. Healthy kidneys act as filters, constantly removing creatinine and other waste products from your blood. A creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine present in your bloodstream. This test serves as a key indicator of kidney function. Since healthy kidneys effectively remove creatinine, abnormally high levels in your blood can signal reduced kidney function or potential kidney damage. It is often used alongside other kidney function tests to diagnose and monitor kidney health.

Reasons for Undergoing the Creatinine Test

There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend a creatinine blood test:

• To check kidney health in people at high risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD), such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems
• To monitor changes in kidney function in people with existing kidney conditions
• To evaluate symptoms that may indicate acute kidney injury, such as decreased urine output, swelling, or fatigue
• To determine if medication dosages need adjustments based on kidney function
• As part of routine screening during physical exams or comprehensive metabolic panels

By proactively undergoing a creatinine test, you and your healthcare team can identify potential kidney problems early on and take appropriate steps to manage your health.