CREATININE TEST
Dr.Sreelekha DaruvuriLast Updated on 9th February 2022Table of contents
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What is the creatinine test used for?
This test is done to measure the levels of creatinine in your body.
- To screen for kidney disease if there are any risks like Diabetes, Hypertension
- To screen patients who have conditions like kidney stones, enlarged prostate, glomerulonephritis, etc.
- To monitor creatinine levels as a part of treatment for monitoring..
- To monitor function of transplanted kidney
What is included in the creatinine test?
The creatinine test is a fairly simple and widely used technique for the assessment of kidney function. When you use the MFine app to schedule your tests, a lab professional will visit your home. Using the MFine app to schedule a creatinine test saves you the time and trouble of going to a medical lab and waiting for the process to begin. You can set a time for our lab technician to visit your home and collect the sample within your busy schedule. Everything about the creatinine test is covered, from collecting the sample to delivering the results.
Procedure for creatinine test
The creatinine test is conducted in a way similar to any other blood test. It does not require any additional preparation before the testing. The patient only has to open the MFine app and book an appointment with the lab. Any drugs taken should always be disclosed during the consultation with the physician. In addition, if there is an additional necessity, the doctor will advise you beforehand.
How to prepare for the creatinine test?
There is no special preparation that is needed while taking a creatinine test. Men and women of any age can get this test done. Fasting is not required. To obtain an accurate result, you can and should eat and drink regularly. It’s better to avoid heavy strenuous exercise before the test. It is, however, crucial to inform your doctor regarding any prescription or medications you are currently consuming.
Things to consider after the creatinine test is complete
The following things need to be considered once the creatinine test is complete:
- Wear a bandage or apply pressure on the injection site with cotton for a specified period (unless you experience skin irritation at the puncture site).
- Avoid any strenuous activities and exercises that may cause bleeding.
- If you feel stiffness or bruising at the puncture site, dab an ice pack wrapped in a towel on your arm.
If you experience any worrisome symptoms, call and consult the doctor or contact the support team.
What types of infection can the creatinine test detect?
The creatinine test is an essential test that can assist doctors in detecting the kidney function in the following infections and kidney disorders:
- Glomerulonephritis is an inflammatory condition of the glomeruli (blood filtering unit in the kidney).
- Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidney.
- Prostate diseases – a creatinine test can aid in the diagnosis of prostate diseases such as enlarged prostate.
- Urinary tract obstruction, which may lead to the diagnosis of kidney stones.
- Reduction in blood flow to the kidneys.
- Death of kidney cells as a result of drug misuse.
- It also helps in diagnosing a few Streptococcal infections such as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
How much does a creatinine test cost?
The cost of a creatinine test is determined by a variety of factors. The cost of the test is determined by whether it is performed at a government or private institution. Also, different private lab partners charge different prices based on the quality of the test and services they provide. In addition, the cost of a creatinine test varies depending on the state and city. A creatinine test might cost anything between Rs 50 and Rs 800. The average cost of a creatinine test is roughly Rs 290. If you book a creatinine test through MFine, the cost will vary based on your location and preferred lab partner.
How long does it take to get the results for the creatinine test?
You can expect to get the results for the creatinine test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.
What do abnormal creatinine test results indicate?
Creatinine levels in the blood are calculated in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Creatinine levels are greater in persons who are quite muscular. The outcomes may also differ based on gender and age. However, typical creatinine levels in males vary from 0.9 to 1.3 mg/dL and 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL in women aged 18 to 60. Normal values are essentially the same in adults over the age of 60. High amounts of serum creatinine in the blood suggest that the kidneys aren’t working properly. In general, elevated creatinine levels in the blood suggest renal disease or other disorders that impair kidney function. These are some examples:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Bacterial infection in kidney
- Blockage of the urinary tract
- Heart failure
- Secondary to diabetes
Low creatinine levels are unusual, although they can arise as a result of certain disorders that result in reduced muscle mass. They normally aren’t a reason for concern.
Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor for interpreting the test reports.
Is the creatinine test a definitive test?
The creatinine test is a routine operation in many laboratories and it is usually considered easy to conduct and interpret. It has already been proven to be a reliable diagnostic tool for any abnormality in kidney function. However, if necessary, your doctor might recommend a few other tests to corroborate the results of the creatinine test.
How to read the creatinine test report?
Creatinine is a waste product that enters the bloodstream and is filtered by the kidney and removed from the body as urine. An increased level of creatinine in blood may be an indication of an abnormal kidney function or a renal disorder. The typical range of serum creatinine in adults are:
- For adult men, 0.74 to 1.35 mg/dL (65.4 to 119.3 micromoles/L)
- For adult women, 0.59 to 1.04 mg/dL (52.2 to 91.9 micromoles/L)
Any deviation from the above range is a sign of abnormal kidney function. It is necessary to keep in mind that creatinine ranges might change between laboratories since some employ different measures or examine different samples. You should always consult with your doctor to go through your test findings in detail. They will be able to inform you whether more tests are required, or treatment can be initiated.
Why to book a creatinine test?
creatinine test may be advised by your doctor or another health care practitioner for the following reasons:
- If you have signs or symptoms of renal disease.
- If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other illnesses that raise your risk of kidney disease.
- To track the treatment or course of kidney illness.
- To keep an eye out for adverse pharmacological effects such as kidney damage or changed renal function.
- To keep an eye on the function of a transplanted kidney.
Moreover, your doctor might advise this test if you have these symptoms
- Fatigue
- Puffy skin around the eyes
- Swelling of the foot and/or ankles
- Appetite suppression
- Urination is frequent and painful.
- Foamy or bloody urine
Creatinine test at home – How does it work?
The creatinine test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.
Are there any risks involved with creatinine tests?
The creatinine test is much like any other blood test. Complications are relatively rare in this procedure. During the test, you may feel lightheaded or sleepy, but these symptoms may pass after a few minutes of sitting. It may also be beneficial to eat a snack.
The injection wound has a small potential of becoming infected, but the alcohol swab used before the test usually keeps this from happening. If you have a bruise, apply a warm compress to the area.
What can affect the results of the creatinine test?
The findings of the creatinine test can be influenced by a variety of factors. These can result in testing that is either falsely negative or falsely positive. The following are some of the major elements that might affect the testing results:
- The sample of blood for checking is contaminated.
- The sample is kept for too long, exposed to heat or microbial contamination, or left to dry during evaluation.
Also, there are certain situations that might lead to a false increase in the level of serum creatinine and thus can affect the overall result of the test.
- Pregnancy
- Intense exercise
- A diet high in red meat
- Certain medicines have side effects, which raise creatinine levels.
For further assistance
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
Is the lab technician coming for the creatinine test sample collection vaccinated?
Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout by wearing a mask, gloves, and frequently sanitizing themselves during the sample collection.
Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?
Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.
How can I download my creatinine test report?
- Login to MFine
- Go to your profile
- Click on Attachment and Reports
- Click on Lab Report
- Download the report
Are there any discount offers running on the creatinine test?
Usually, you can avail up to 50% discount on creatinine test through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.
What are the symptoms associated with abnormal creatinine levels?
Some of the symptoms associated with abnormal creatinine levels are fatigue, loss of appetite, swelling in the face, wrists, ankles, or abdomen, lower back pain near the kidneys, changes in urine output and frequency, etc.
What would be the creatinine level in case of renal failure?
The level of creatinine that is more than 1.2 in women and more than 1.4 in men could be an early indication that your kidneys are not performing properly. The level of creatinine in the blood rises as the kidney disease progresses. This test assesses how successfully the kidneys remove wastes and extra fluid from the blood.
What is a kidney function test?
Kidney function tests are a series of different tests that may be conducted together to assess kidney function. The tests help in assessing numerous components in the blood, such as minerals, electrolytes, proteins, and sugar, in order to identify the present state of your kidneys. When the kidneys aren’t working correctly, waste products build up in the blood and fluid levels rise to hazardous levels, causing harm to the body or developing a potentially life-threatening condition. A variety of disorders and diseases can cause kidney impairment. Diabetes and hypertension are the most frequent causes of renal disease.
Why should we inform the doctors about medications?
Some medications may lead to a rise in creatinine levels without causing renal injury and may affect your test findings. Inform your doctor if you are using any of the following medications:
- Cimetidine
- Drugs consumed in chemotherapy
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin
- Certain antibiotics such as cephalexin or cefuroxime
- Active Vitamin D metabolites
Once the doctor is completely informed of the list of medications you are taking, he or she might ask you to stop some medications or may change the dosage of the drugs. He or she will also be considering the same while interpreting the test results.
What is a creatinine clearance test?
Creatinine clearance test is another important test advised by the health care provider. A creatinine clearance test compares the concentration of creatinine in blood to the concentration of creatinine in urine. A creatinine clearance test could be more reliable than a blood or urine test alone in determining renal function. Despite all these, there are a few cases of false positive and false negative tests, which depend on a variety of conditions.
What is chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when your kidneys are damaged leading to gradual loss of function and unable to filter blood as effectively as they should. People with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and a family history of renal failure are more susceptible to developing CKD.
Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.