Creatinine Detail

The Creatinine test is a blood test used to assess kidney function by measuring the amount of creatinine—a waste product formed from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine from the blood and excrete it in urine. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, creatinine levels in the blood can rise.

This test is crucial in diagnosing and monitoring chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury, or other kidney-related disorders. It is often ordered alongside the urea (BUN) test and used to calculate the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), a key indicator of kidney health.

Elevated creatinine levels may indicate kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or muscle damage, while low levels can be seen in certain liver diseases or muscle-wasting conditions. Regular monitoring helps guide treatment decisions and evaluate the progression of kidney disease.