Creatinine Test (Serum)

Service Description

Biomarker: CREA Sample: BLOOD Results: 1 DAY Phlebotomy fee: £15.00 (included in price) Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles from the breakdown of creatine, which is an important molecule for energy production in muscle cells. Creatinine is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. The level of creatine in the blood is one of the critical biomarkers use in assessing kidney's health. Elevated creatinine levels in the blood may indicate impaired kidney function or kidney disease. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, they may have difficulty filtering creatinine from the blood, leading to increased blood levels. CAUSES: Causes of high creatinine levels include - Acute kidney injury (such as from dehydration, shock, or kidney infection), - Chronic kidney disease, - Kidney obstruction - Certain medications - Muscle damage SYMPTOMS: General symptoms of high creatinine levels include - Fatigue, - Loss of appetite, - Trouble sleeping, - Itching - Change in urination frequency, - Foamy urine, - Swelling in the ankles and feet, - High blood pressure - Shortness of breath (in some cases). Low creatinine levels are less common and may be seen in conditions such as severe muscle loss (atrophy), malnutrition, or certain metabolic disorders. However, low creatinine levels are less commonly a cause for concern compared to high levels. Together with age, gender and race, serum creatinine level is used to calculate eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), another important metric used to assess kidney health. eGFR specifically measures the rate at which blood is filtered through the glomeruli, the tiny structures in the kidneys responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids.