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Alternative names Return to top
Serum creatinineDefinition Return to top
Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine, which is an important part of muscle. A serum creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in the blood.How the test is performed Return to top
Adult or child:
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
Infant or young child:
The area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any bleeding.
How to prepare for the test Return to top
The health care provider may advise you to discontinue drugs that may affect the test (see special considerations).How the test will feel Return to top
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.Why the test is performed Return to top
The test is performed to evaluate kidney function. If kidney function is abnormal, creatinine levels will increase in the blood, due to decreased excretion of creatinine in the urine. Creatinine levels also vary according to a person's size and muscle mass.Normal Values Return to top
A normal (usual) value is 0.8 to 1.4 mg/dl. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.
Females have a lower creatinine than males, due to less muscle mass.
Note: mg/dl = milligrams per deciliter
What abnormal results mean Return to top
For abnormal results, the following applies:
Greater-than-normal levels may indicate:
What the risks are Return to top
Special considerations Return to top
Drugs that can increase creatinine measurements include aminoglycosides (for example, gentamicin), Bactrim, cimetidine, heavy metal chemotherapeutic agents (for example, Cisplatin), and nephrotoxic drugs -- such as cephalosporins (for example, cefoxitin). Update Date: 2/11/2004 Updated by: Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |