creatinine Test

Creatinine is a chemical waste product in the blood that passes through the kidneys to be filtered and eliminated in urine. The chemical waste is a by-product of normal muscle contractions. Creatinine is made from creatinine, a supplier of energy to the muscle.

Women usually have lower creatinine levels compared to men because women have less muscle tissue. It is transported to the kidneys via the bloodstream. The kidneys filter out most of the creatinine and dispose of it in urine. High levels of creatinine increase the risk of kidney damage, dehydration and heart problems causing increased heart trembling and difficulty in urinating. Other causes of high creatinine levels include urinary tract infections, hypertension, diabetes, kidney stones and continuous intake of antibiotics.

A person has high creatinine levels, can be determined by doing blood tests. There are many health concerns that can weaken kidney functioning by increasing blood creatinine levels in the body. However, it is imperative for you to understand the occurrence of dysfunctional kidney conditions like azotemia and kidney failure. Recent kidney changes in the body can be easily reversed if treated on time.

A person has the risk of high creatinine levels in the blood, because of the following reasons. These are:

• High consumption of protein

• Doing vigorous exercise

• Reduced blood flow or low blood pressure caused by artery disease

• Severe dehydration can damage kidneys

• People suffering from chronic kidney disease

• Damaged glomerulus, which is the filter of kidney

• Nutrition plays a vital role in creatinine measurement. Serum creatinine can also quickly increase after dietary meat ingestion.

• Certain drugs (e.g., [Bactrim] cimetidine) can at times cause creatinine levels to be elevated abnormally.

• Elevated creatinine levels can also be seen during urinary tract obstructions, rhabdomyolysis (abnormal muscle breakdown) or Kidney infections.

The most common causes of chronic kidney disease in adults are diabetes and high blood pressure. Other reasons for the high levels of creatinine may be, lupus, Goodpasture syndrome, gout, muscular dystrophy, and loss of blood due to shock.

There is no known medicine to reduce blood creatinine level. Blood creatinine level only tells us, whether the kidneys are functioning properly or not. There are other underlying diseases like uncontrolled diabetes and blood pressure which can cause the deterioration in kidney function. Controlling those factors might help in slowing down the deterioration in kidney function.

Dialysis is one of the ways to reduce the high creatinine level in the blood, but the best way is also to treat the underlying cause of high creatinine in the blood. There are natural fiber options, which can be used with the consultation of one’s doctor. These are the following:

1. Less of vigorous exercise:

Since metabolism of muscle produces creatinine, more fibers spikes the creatinine levels in the blood. So less strenuous exercise like walking, yoga are recommended instead of going for running, cycling or weight training.

2. Avoid supplements containing creatine:

Creatinine is naturally made in the liver, which gets transported to the muscles and is used for energy. Unused creatine is then converted to creatinine which is flushed out of the body. In addition to its natural form, its oral supplements are also available which is generally used by athletes to improve their performance. So, if a person is already having high creatinine levels, uses the supplements, it will further increase the creatine level, damaging the kidneys.

3. Less protein:

More intake of proteins like pulses, red meat, dairy products, or other protein sources increases the creatine levels in the blood. So meat should be replaced by vegetables based diet.

4. Increase fibre intake:

Having more fibres like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, are known to reduce the creatinine levels.

5. Fluid intake:

Dehydration causes the increase of creatinine levels. But since an excess of fluids can also create problems with kidney patients, it is advisable to have fluids with the consultation of the doctor, about the amount of fluids to be taken, and when.

6. Use of Chitosan supplements:

Chitosan is a dietary supplement which is known to help people lose weight or reduce high cholesterol. Chitosan is also known to reduce creatinine levels in people with renal failure.

7. Take WH30+:

Many plants are known for their diuretics properties, which may help in creatinine levels. Its, however, not known scientifically how much they are effective, but a herbal Chinese formula WH30+ was known to reduce the creatinine levels in rats. 

8. Using the salvia plant:

Chinese study shows that salvia is used to treat renal failure, but since it’s a hallucinogen, it should be used carefully. 

9. Herbal teas:

Herbal teas like nettle, chamomile, cinnamon, ginseng, dandelion root can be taken, but with the consultation of a doctor.

Serum creatinine test is a useful technique of renal dysfunction evaluation. Renal dysfunction reduces the filtration capability of creatinine in the kidneys; thereby increasing the serum creatinine levels. The Glomerular Filtration rate (GFR) is considered to be half if the serum creatinine level doubles. A three times increase in the serum creatine level reduces kidney function by 75%. The high serum creatinine levels show the damage of a high number of nephrons.

Presence of Low or High Creatinine levels in the Blood

• Any individual, man or woman, suffering from long-standing illnesses, severity in weight loss, malnutrition has relatively lower blood creatinine levels. The reason being the diminishing muscle mass.

• Muscle development varies in infants, and so does the blood creatinine levels. A normal range is 0.2 or more.

• Elderly individuals have a relatively lower presence of blood creatinine levels than normal.

• Middle-aged and youngsters with good muscle build tend to have more creatinine levels.

Reference values for serum creatinine: 

• A panic value for creatinine is 10 mg/dl in non -dialysis patient

• Children: 0.2 - 1.0 mg/dl: Creatinine values are proportional to body mass. There is a little increase with age.

• Adult females: 0.6 - 1.1 mg/dl: creatinine clearance increases during pregnancy, This shows low levels of serum

• Adult males: 0.8 - 1.4 mg/dl: Due to the presence of large muscle mass, values are generally high

The other tests associated with the Creatinine tests are

Creatinine Clearance Test (CCT)

Protein-Creatinine Ratio (PCR)

A blood or urine creatinine test helps determine levels of Creatinine. It is generally ordered to check renal function and oversee treatment for kidney disease.

Creatinine clearance test- The test compares the levels of creatinine in urine and in the blood which could help provide an assessment of the normal functioning of the kidney. It helps to analyse the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Protein-Creatinine Ratio (PCR) - The concentration of protein in the urine is compared to the creatinine level in a spot urine sample. It could be used to asses persistent proteinuria, i.e. the presence of an excess of serum proteins in the urine. The protein in the urine often causes the urine to become foamy.

Symptoms associated with a kidney related disorder are:

Poor appetite

Fatigue

Lack of concentration

Trouble sleeping

Swelling or puffiness especially around the eyes or in the face, ankles, hands, feet abdomen wrists, abdomen and thighs

Foamy, bloody, or dark-coloured Urine

Reduced urine output or change in the frequency of urination

Discomfort during urination (burning sensation)

Mid-back pain

Pain below the ribs (location of the kidneys)

High blood pressure."

No special preparations like fasting required.

Specimen type: Serum(Blood Sample),

Specimen collection procedure: Venipuncture(Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm)

It is important to tell the doctor beforehand if the patient is taking any medicine, which may increase the blood creatinine level without affecting the kidneys. In that case, the doctor may advise the patient to not take any such medicine for 24 hours before coming for the tests

Creatinine test report for the Serum creatinine test is given between 24 to 36 Hours.

The blood sample can also be collected easily from homes by well-qualified technicians, which is very convenient for people who are unable to travel to a diagnostic lab.

Creatinine test cost is comparable to the industry standard.

Serum Creatinine test is a must if a person shows the symptoms of puffiness or swelling especially around the eyes or in the face, ankles, hands, feet, and abdomen. It is also needed if a person complains of foamy, bloody, or dark-coloured urine or burning sensation during urination. Change in urination frequency reduced urine output, and diabetes is a concern too. The test results can tell if there is any risk of damage to kidneys, which can be cured in the initial stages.