Serum Creatinine Test
525 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
None
Purpose
The Creatinine Test is a renal function test that measures the level of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscle metabolism and is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys.
This test helps evaluate how well the kidneys are functioning by determining how effectively they are removing creatinine from the bloodstream.
Elevated creatinine levels may indicate impaired kidney function or kidney disease, making the test essential for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury, or complications related to diabetes and hypertension.
For a full diagnostic picture, the test can be performed alongside Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test, Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), urinalysis, and electrolyte panel.
Together, these tests provide a more comprehensive assessment of kidney health and overall renal function.
Patient Preparation
No special preparation is required.
Samples
1ml with a minimum volume of 0.7ml of Serum or plasma collected in a Gel-barrier, red-top, or green-top tube (lithium heparin). Avoid using EDTA, oxalate, or citrate plasma. Separate the serum or plasma within 45 minutes of sample collection, and avoid hemolysis. Store the sample at room temperature.
Reference Range
Within one day of receipt of samples
Results Turnaround
Within 24 hours after sample collection.
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
The Creatinine Test helps assess kidney function by measuring the concentration of creatinine in the blood.
Some possible outcomes of the test include;
High Creatinine Levels:
- Elevated levels may indicate:
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Urinary tract obstruction (e.g., kidney stones)
- Reduced renal blood flow, which may result from conditions such as congestive heart failure or dehydration
- Severe infections or rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)
Low Creatinine Levels:
- Lower-than-normal levels may suggest:
- Reduced muscle mass (as seen in older adults or those with muscular dystrophy)
- Small body frame
- Chronic illness or malnutrition leading to debilitation
This test is often interpreted alongside other kidney function tests (like eGFR and BUN) to confirm the diagnosis and monitor disease progression or response to treatment.
For more on the Serum Creatinine Test, read this study.