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Serum creatinine test assesses the quantity of creatinine in your blood. When your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, your serum creatinine level rises. This test is therefore invaluable for monitoring kidney function and overall kidney health.
Creatinine is a natural waste produced in the body during the digestion of protein and the regular breakdown of muscle tissues. The byproduct is filtered from the bloodstream by the kidneys. While it’s normal for everyone to have some level of creatinine in their blood, elevated levels may indicate potential kidney issues. Serum creatinine test, conducted through a blood sample, evaluates the kidneys’ filtration efficiency, offering insights into their function and overall health. So, read on to learn more about the significance of serum creatinine test and serum creatinine test price.
Importance of Serum Creatinine Test
Generally, a serum creatinine test is recommended to:
- Check the overall health of kidneys
- Monitor existing kidney problems and finding out the effectiveness of ongoing treatment
- Diagnose kidney diseases
- Detect side effects from medicines that can affect your kidneys
Why is the Serum Creatinine Test Done?
Some of the most common reasons why a creatinine serum test is performed include:
- To assess your kidney health during a routine check-up.
- If you experience symptoms associated with kidney diseases. These symptoms may include:
- Dry skin, numbness or itching
- Swelling in the feet and hands or puffy eyelids
- Fatigue
- Urine that is foamy or bloody
- Decreased or increased need to urinate
- Muscle cramps
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleep problems
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often remains asymptomatic in its early stages. You’re at increased risk of kidney disease if you:
- Have high blood pressure
- Have diabetes
- Have a family history of diabetes, kidney disease, or high blood pressure
- Are over 50 years old
- Have heart disease
- Smoke
- Are obese
- If you have existing kidney issues or potential kidney concerns due to:
- The diagnosis of kidney disease
- Previously abnormal kidney test results
- Undergoing a kidney transplant
- Taking medications that may impact your kidneys
The serum creatinine test price can differ based on the diagnostic lab you choose. At Apollo 24|7, the serum creatinine test price is just Rs 260.
What Are Normal Serum Creatinine Test Results?
Creatinine normally enters your bloodstream and is consistently filtered from it at a steady rate. The level of creatinine in the blood should remain relatively stable. An elevated creatinine level could indicate impaired kidney function. Serum creatinine levels are measured in micromoles of creatinine per litre of blood (micromoles/L) or milligrams of creatinine per decilitre of blood (mg/dL). The typical serum creatinine range is:
- For adult women: 52.2-91.9 micromoles/L or 0.59-1.04 mg/dL
- For adult men: 65.4-119.3 micromoles/L or 0.74-1.35 mg/dL
What Does Serum Creatinine Test Indicate?
A raised creatinine level above the normal range might be attributed to:
- Kidney issues like failure, infection, damage, or reduced blood flow
- A blocked urinary tract
- Dehydration leading to fluid loss
- Pregnancy-related problems like preeclampsia-induced high blood pressure or eclampsia-induced seizures
- Muscle problems such as rhabdomyolysis, involving the breakdown of muscle fibre
A lower-than-normal creatinine level might be due to:
- Malnutrition
- Conditions affecting muscles and nerves that cause decreased muscle mass
There are various other conditions for which the test may be ordered, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or drug overdose. Your doctor will provide further information if necessary.
Is Serum Creatinine Test Accurate?
Serum creatinine test is a highly reliable test for assessing kidney health. However, there are other factors beyond kidney health that can influence lower or higher creatinine levels in your blood. This means that your actual kidney function might differ from what’s reported in your lab results. Factors that can contribute to higher creatinine levels include:
- Using creatine supplements
- Consuming large quantities of cooked meat
- Engaging in high-intensity exercise
- Taking medications like cobicistat, cimetidine, dolutegravir, ritonavir, fenofibrate, or trimethoprim
- Having a high muscle mass
Some of the factors that can result in lower creatinine levels include:
- Having low muscle mass
- Following a vegan or vegetarian diet
- Being pregnant
- Having severe liver disease (cirrhosis)
- Having a history of amputation or muscle wasting disease
The actual impact of these factors on a person’s serum creatinine level varies greatly. Everyone responds differently to these factors. Therefore, it’s crucial to discuss any concerns about interpreting your serum creatinine levels with your healthcare professional.
