Creatinine

Creatinine is a blood chemical waste product generated when you use your muscles. Eating lots of protein may also produce small amounts.

Your bloodstream transports creatinine to your kidneys, where your body filters it out through your urine. But if your kidneys aren’t working properly, the level of creatinine in your blood can build up. This can lead to uremia, a life-threatening disorder.

Creatinine levels can rise temporarily from strenuous exercise or using certain medications like sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, or chemotherapy drugs. Other causes include conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid disease.

Each kidney has millions of small blood-filtering units called nephrons. The nephrons constantly filter blood through a very tiny cluster of blood vessels known as glomeruli. These structures filter waste products, excess water, and other impurities out of the blood. High levels of creatinine may indicate that your kidney is damaged and not working properly. Creatinine blood tests are usually performed along with several other laboratory tests, including a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test and a basic metabolic panel (BMP) or comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).

Your doctor may order a creatinine blood test to assess your creatinine levels if you show signs of kidney disease. These symptoms include:

• Fatigue and trouble sleeping
• A loss of appetite
• Swelling in the face, wrists, ankles, or abdomen
• Lower back pain near the kidneys
• Changes in urine output and frequency
• High blood pressure
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Kidney problems can be related to different diseases or conditions, including:

• Glomerulonephritis, which is an inflammation of the glomeruli due to damage
• Pyelonephritis, which is a bacterial infection of the kidneys
• Prostate disease, such as an enlarged prostate
• Blockage of the urinary tract, which may be due to kidney stones
• Decreased blood flow to the kidneys, which may be caused by congestive heart failure, diabetes, or dehydration
• The death of kidney cells as a result of drug abuse

Creatinine is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). People who are more muscular tend to have higher creatinine levels. Results may also vary depending on age and gender. however, normal creatinine levels range from 0.9 to 1.3 mg/dL in men and 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL in women who are 18 to 60 years old. Normal levels are roughly the same for people over 60. High serum creatinine levels in the blood indicate that the kidneys aren’t functioning properly. Your serum creatinine levels may be slightly elevated or higher than normal due to:

• A blocked urinary tract
• A high-protein diet
• Dehydration
• Kidney problems, such as kidney damage or infection
• Reduced blood flow to the kidneys due to shock, congestive heart failure, or complications of diabetes

Creatinine blood test is a simple test that requires the removal of a small sample of blood. A healthcare provider first asks you to pull up your sleeves so that your arm is exposed. They sterilize the injection site with an antiseptic and then tie a band around your arm. This makes the veins swell with blood, allowing them to find a vein more easily. Once they find a vein, they insert a needle into it to collect the blood. In most cases, a vein on the inside of the elbow is used. You might feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted, but the test itself isn’t painful. After the healthcare provider removes the needle, they put a bandage over the puncture wound.

• Fainting at the sight of blood
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Soreness or redness at the puncture site
• Bruising
• Pain
• Infection

It’s important to note that normal and abnormal ranges can vary among labs because some use unique measurements or test different samples. You should always meet with your doctor to discuss your test results in more detail. They’ll be able to tell you if more testing is necessary and if any treatment will be required.