About the test
Creatinine is the final product of creatine’s metabolism, found in skeletal muscles. Following its production, it enters the blood circulation and is finally excreted from the body through the kidneys.
Combined with urea test, it constitutes a significant marker for kidney function evaluation.. Ιts value depends on the total muscle mass and is therefore lower in women and kids.
Sample
Venous blood
Preparation
Not required
Procedure
Venipuncture
Increased values
- Dehydration
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Glomerulonephritis
- Renal failure
- Muscular dystrophy
- Pyelonephritis
- Preeclampsia
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Drugs: Diuretics, cephalosporines, captopril.
Decreased values
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Myasthenia Gravis
Additional information
Creatinine levels should be checked before diagnostic imaging performed using contrast media as Contrast Infused Nephropathy or Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis may be caused in patients with renal impairment.