All You Need to Know about a Creatinine Test

 A creatinine serum test is prescribed to check whether the kidneys can filter out body waste properly. This blood test is used to measure creatinine levels in the body, which is a waste substance made by the muscles. The kidneys are supposed to filter out this substance from the blood and pass it out through urine. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, creatinine can build up in the bloodstream. If the creatinine levels are not in the normal range in the blood and urine, it can be indicative of kidney disease.

Why is a Creatinine Test Prescribed?

A creatinine test is prescribed to a person to check if the kidneys are working normally. It is done as a part of a comprehensive metabolic panel test or CMP test, which is a group of blood tests that provide information about various organs in the body. A creatinine test can be done for:

1. Diagnosing the signs or symptoms of kidney disease.

2. For screening and monitoring the treatment prescribed for kidney disease.

3. For monitoring the side effects of drugs on the kidneys.

4. For monitoring the function of a transplanted kidney. 


Which Medical Conditions Can Be Detected with a Creatinine Test?

If a person has an increased level of creatinine in their blood, it could be indicative of the following medical conditions:

● Kidney disease

● Bacterial infection in the kidneys

● Autoimmune disease

● Blocked urinary tract

● Heart failure

● Complications of diabetes

An individual can also have a temporary increase in their creatinine levels. This can be due to the following reasons:

● Pregnancy

● Intense workout on a regular basis

● Consuming a diet with high amounts of red meat

● Side effects of certain medicines

This blood test is recommended for people who are at higher risk of kidney disease, have pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes or have a family history of kidney disease. It is best to book a creatinine test at a reputed pathology lab for genuine and accurate results. 

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