The Serum Creatinine test, or Creatinine test, assesses the amount of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine, a byproduct of normal muscle use, is typically filtered from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine. When kidney function is compromised, creatinine levels can rise because the kidneys are unable to filter it effectively.

Elevated blood creatinine levels can indicate kidney problems and are also associated with lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease, which further increase the risk of kidney failure. In the bustling lifestyle of Hyderabad, where lifestyle diseases are prevalent, routine creatinine testing is crucial for the early detection and management of kidney issues.

The S. Creatinine test is used to monitor kidney function and diagnose various lifestyle-related conditions. It can be performed independently or as part of a metabolic panel or kidney function test during routine health examinations.

The Creatinine blood test does not require any specific preparations. Here are some important guidelines before getting tested:

Prerequisites

You do not need to fast before a Creatinine test unless additional tests are ordered with it during which fasting for about 12 hours may be necessary. Refraining from eating cooked meat the evening prior is also advisable, as it can increase creatinine levels.

Best Time to Get Tested

You can take the Creatinine test at any time during the day that is convenient for you.

When Is a Creatinine Test Recommended?

The Creatinine Blood test may be conducted during routine examinations to check kidney health or if there are signs of kidney disease. People at elevated risk, such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disorders, heart disease, individuals over 50, smokers, or those with obesity, might need this test even if they show no symptoms.

Cautions Before Taking Creatinine Test

Some medications and supplements can influence Creatinine test results. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all the drugs you are taking, especially H2 receptor antagonists like cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine, as well as antibiotics such as trimethoprim and cefoxitin.

The Serum Creatinine test is vital for assessing kidney function. The test can be ordered for several reasons:

Routine Health Monitoring

Including a Creatinine test in routine health checkups helps evaluate the kidneys' overall functioning.

Detecting Symptoms of Kidney Damage

If you show signs such as swelling in hands and feet, eye puffiness, dry skin, changes in urination (bloody or foamy), fatigue, appetite loss, weight reduction, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, sleep issues, itching, or concentration difficulties, a Creatinine test can assist in diagnosing kidney disease.

Monitoring After Kidney Transplant

Post-transplant patients need regular Creatinine testing to ensure the transplanted kidney is functioning well, helping to identify any signs of rejection or complications early.

Monitoring the Impact of Medicines on Kidney Function

Medications for pain, diabetes, or high cholesterol can affect kidney function. Regular Creatinine testing helps track any potential kidney side effects from these drugs.

Retesting for Individuals with Previous Abnormal Results

If you’ve had abnormal results from earlier kidney tests, a Creatinine test is necessary for ongoing monitoring of kidney health and assessing treatment efficacy.

Screening for Individuals at Increased Risk of Kidney Disease

People at high risk for kidney disease—those with diabetes, hypertension, a family history of kidney disease, heart conditions, over 50 years old, smokers, or those with obesity—should undergo regular Creatinine tests even without symptoms due to the silent progression of early-stage chronic kidney disease.

The following table can help interpret the results of the S. Creatinine test: