Creatinine Test

Creatinine levels can be measured by a simple blood test or urine test, which would thereby assess the function of the kidney. This article provides some information about the normal levels of this compound, and also discusses what the abnormal levels convey.

Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine, which is a nitrogenous organic acid produced from amino acids in the kidney and liver. Creatine provides energy to the muscles. Creatinine test is a routine test carried out to measure the amount of creatinine in the blood and/or urine. Its levels in blood and urine are an indicator of the kidney function. If one experiences fatigue, insomnia, swelling or puffiness, particularly around the eyes or in the face, lack of concentration, poor appetite, high blood pressure, mid-back pain, decrease in the amount of urine or if one observes foamy, bloody, or coffee-colored urine, then this test should be done. This is because all these symptoms indicate a problem in the kidneys.

Blood Test to Measure its Levels

The levels may vary according to a person’s build and muscle mass. If the kidneys are not working to their full capacity, less compound will be released through urine and its levels in the blood will increase. Thus, this test helps assess kidney function as mentioned above. It is just like a simple and normal routine blood test. The normal value of this compound in blood may range from 0.8 to 1.4 mg/dl. Women usually have lower levels than males, as they usually have less muscle mass. However, one needs to consult the concerned doctor regarding the normal values. Production of this compound is not affected by diet or physical activity, as it is produced at a steady rate. As this test is helpful in detecting kidney infections, the dysfunction of the same can result in elevated levels in the blood. The following chart explains the normal values in blood, although the values may vary according to the muscle development.

Normal Blood Creatinine Levels

Note: mg/dl = milligrams/deciliter

Reasons for Abnormal Creatinine Values in Blood Test

• Dehydration
• Diabetic nephropathy
• Kidney failure
• Acute tubular necrosis
• Glomerulonephritis
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Muscular dystrophy, in late stages
• Myasthenia gravis
• Reduced blood flow to kidneys
• Urinary tract obstruction
• Pregnancy induced hypertension
• Other kidney diseases

Creatinine Clearance Test

A urine test can be ordered to measure urine creatinine levels. Creatinine is a chemical waste byproduct and it is produced when food is changed into energy through a process called metabolism. As it is a waste product, it is transported to the kidneys through the bloodstream. The kidneys then filter the blood and throw the compound out of the body through urine. The normal range is 500-2000 mg/day (in a 24 hour urine sample). The value may vary according to the age and amount of lean body mass. Furthermore, this clearance test or urine test is as useful as a blood creatinine test. Kidney dysfunction would lead to low levels of the compound in urine. The abnormal values of the compound in the urine test would indicate as follows:

Reasons for Abnormal Creatinine Values in Urine Test

• Myasthenia gravis
• High-meat diet
• Kidney failure
• Reduced blood flow in kidney
• Glomerulonephritis
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Muscular dystrophy (late stage)
• Urinary tract obstruction
• Pyelonephritis

If abnormal levels of this compound are left untreated, the condition may result in kidney failure or kidney cancer. If one opts for the aforementioned tests, then one would have to temporarily stop the intake of certain drugs that may affect the test. Furthermore, the procedure of these tests involves no risks. However, it is always better to seek the consultation of the concerned doctor before opting for the same.

Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.