Serum Creatinine (Creatinine Level)

What Does Creatinine Tell Us About My Health?

Creatinine levels can indicate how well your kidneys are filtering blood. Higher levels may suggest kidney problems, while lower levels might indicate muscle mass or hydration status. This test is often used alongside other kidney function tests to diagnose conditions like chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury.

Why Might My Doctor Order This Test?

Your doctor may order a creatinine test to monitor kidney health before or after certain treatments, check for kidney disease, evaluate symptoms like fatigue or swelling, or assess how well medications are being processed by your kidneys.

What Can Affect Creatinine Levels?

Several factors can influence creatinine levels, including muscle mass (more muscle generally means higher levels), hydration status, diet (especially protein intake), and certain medications. Blood tests are usually taken after fasting for about 8–12 hours to reduce variability from recent meals or fluids.

How Is This Test Performed?

A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure creatinine concentration. Results are typically available within a few days.