The creatinine blood test (Serum creatinine) measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working.
Creatinine can likewise be measured with a urine test.
Creatinine Blood Test Procedure
- A blood sample is needed.
How to Prepare for the Test
The healthcare supplier might tell you to briefly stop taking specific medications that can impact the test. These medications include:
- Cimetidine, famotidine, and ranitidine
- Certain antibiotics, such as trimethoprim
Tell your supplier about all the medicines you take.
Does the Test Requires Fasting Before Taking Blood Sample?
The Creatinine Clearance (24-hour Urine and Serum) test is both a blood and urine collection. The blood test has no fasting requirements but is preferably gathered at the time the urine collection is finished. The Creatinine, 24-hour Urine test needs individuals void urine at 8am and discard the specimen. Then collect all urine in 24-hour period, ending with last collection at 8am the next morning.
How the Test will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel just a prick or stinging sensation. Later, there may be some throbbing or small bruising. This quickly disappears.
Why Creatinine Blood Test is Performed
Creatinine is a chemical waste item of creatine. Creatine is a chemical made by the body and is used to supply energy primarily to muscles.
This test is done to see how well your kidneys work. Creatinine is removed from the body completely by the kidneys. If kidney function is not normal, the creatinine level in your blood will increase. This is because less creatinine is launched through your urine.
Cost
Average price for Serum Creatinine Test in US will be between $25 and $27 and can rise up to $49 in different places.
Normal Ranges for Creatinine Blood Test
A normal outcome is 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL for men and 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL for women.
Women typically have a lower creatinine level than men. This is due to the fact that women generally have less muscle mass than men. Creatinine level varies based on a person’s size and muscle mass.
The examples above prevail measurements for results of these tests. Normal worth ranges might vary a little amongst different labs. Some labs use various measurements or test various samples. Speak to your doctor about the significance of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results of Creatinine Blood Test Mean
A greater than normal level might be because of:
- Obstructed urinary tract
- Kidney problems, such as kidney damage or failure, infection, or lowered blood circulation
- Loss of body fluid (dehydration).
- Muscle problems, such as breakdown of muscle fibers (rhabdomyolysis).
- Problems during pregnancy, such as seizures triggered by eclampsia or high blood pressure triggered by preeclampsia.
A lower than normal level might be due to:
- Conditions including the muscles and nerves that cause decreased muscle mass.
- Malnutrition.
There are numerous other conditions for which the test may be ordered, such as hypertension, diabetes, or medication overdose. Your supplier will tell you more, if needed.
Is Abnormal Creatinine Level Dangerous?
There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries differ in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people might be harder than from others.
Other risks connected with having actually blood drawn are slight but may consist of:
- Extreme bleeding.
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded.
- Hematoma (blood collecting under the skin).
- Infection (a slight risk whenever the skin is broken).
FAQs
Q: Can I check Creatinine in my blood at home?
A: The level of creatinine in the blood is performed in a medical laboratory by a specialist. Therefore this test is unlikely to perform at home.
Q: I’m on diet and trying to loose some weight. How it is affect to Serum creatinine test results?
A: Weight-loss can result in the reduction of muscle mass, causing low levels of creatinine.
I’m a 72 male who just went on Leflunimide 3/2019. My MALB/CREAT test went from 16.2 to 551.1 the month I started Leflunimide. 4 months later it was 209.3 and 1 month later it was 357.1. My Primary Care doctor didn’t even mention it so I assumed it wasn’t significant. Should I be talking to someone else?