A Serum Creatinine test, commonly referred to as a Creatinine test, evaluates the level of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a waste byproduct formed from muscle breakdown and is normally expelled by the kidneys through urine. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, creatinine may accumulate in the blood, indicating potential kidney problems. Elevated creatinine levels are also found in lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, which are significant risk factors for kidney failure.

In the stressful lifestyle of Mumbai, where these lifestyle diseases are highly prevalent, regular creatinine testing is essential for the early detection and management of kidney health issues. The S. Creatinine test helps assess kidney function and diagnose lifestyle diseases. It is usually a part of metabolic panel or kidney function tests conducted during routine medical checkups. It can also be performed separately.

The Creatinine blood test involves no specific preparations. Here are some things that you should know before getting tested:

Prerequisites

No fasting is necessary for the Creatinine test unless it is included as part of a basic or comprehensive metabolic panel, in which case fasting for about 12 hours may be required. Avoiding cooked meat, the night before the test may also be suggested to prevent elevated creatinine levels.

Best Time to Get Tested

The Creatinine test can be conducted at any time of the day that fits your schedule.

When Is a Creatinine Test Recommended?

A Creatinine Blood test might be recommended during routine evaluations to monitor kidney health or if symptoms of kidney disease are present. Those at higher risk for kidney issues, including individuals with diabetes, hypertension, smokers, those above the age of 50 years, a family history of kidney disease, or heart conditions, may also be advised to take this test even without symptoms.

Cautions Before Taking Creatinine Test

Certain drugs and supplements can affect the results of a Creatinine test. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking, especially H2 receptor blockers like cimetidine, ranitidine, and famotidine, and antibiotics such as cefoxitin and trimethoprim.

A Serum Creatinine test is a fundamental tool for evaluating kidney health. Here’s why your doctor might suggest it:

Routine Kidney Health Monitoring

A Creatinine test can be conducted as a part of regular health examinations to assess the kidney’s functioning.

Screening for Symptoms of Kidney Disease

If you have symptoms like swelling in the extremities, puffiness around the eyes, dry skin, changes in urination (e.g., bloody or foamy urine), fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbances, itching, and concentration issues, a Creatinine test can help diagnose potential kidney disease.

Post-Transplant Assessment

For those with a kidney transplant, a Creatinine test is essential for monitoring the new kidney's health, aiding in early detection of rejection or complications.

High-Risk Monitoring

Individuals with risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of kidney disease, age over 50, heart disease, smoking, or obesity, should have regular Creatinine tests. Chronic kidney disease can advance without symptoms initially, making early detection crucial.

Previous Abnormal Kidney Test Results

If previous kidney tests were abnormal, follow-up Creatinine tests are important for tracking kidney health and the effectiveness of treatments or lifestyle adjustments.

Medications Affecting Kidney Function

Certain medications for pain, diabetes, or high cholesterol can impact kidney function. Creatinine tests help monitor any potential kidney damage due to these drugs.

Review the table below to understand your test results of the Creatinine test and assessing the kidney function: