Creatinine Analysis

Definition of creatinine

The creatinine is derived from the degradation of creatine itself synthesized by the liver and stored in the muscles where it plays an important role in energy production. The use of creatine by the muscles produces waste, the most notable being creatinine. This is carried by the blood, filtered by the kidneys and eliminated in the urine. Thus, comparing the level of creatinine in the blood to the amount of creatinine released by the urine can assess the activity of the kidneys, explains the best kidney specialist in Delhi.

Note that the concentration of creatinine varies according to the muscle mass of a person. Thus, men generally have a higher blood creatinine level than women.

Why do a creatinine analysis?

The blood (creatinine) and urine (creatinine urea) blood levels are used to measure kidney activity and to diagnose possible kidney function impairment, says nephrologist in Delhi.

The examination of creatinine

The blood test consists of a collection of venous blood, usually at the level of the fold of the elbow.

Since blood creatinine levels are related to muscle activity, it is recommended by kidney specialist in Delhi that all intense physical activity be stopped within 48 hours of the exam. In addition, because red meat is rich in creatine, it is recommended to limit its consumption to less than 200 grams 24 hours before the examination, or not to consume at all. The consumption of drinks or diuretic products is to be banned the day before and the day of the examination.

Your doctor for kidney in Delhi may also ask you to stop taking certain medications before the test.

The urinary clearance of creatinine, which measures the amount of creatinine removed from the blood by the kidneys, is estimated from the total urine volume produced in 24 hours.

For this, the urine is collected in a unique container provided for this purpose that you will have provided the medical staff. Urine is stored in the refrigerator.

What results can we expect from a creatinine test?

The normal creatinine level in the blood is between 6 and 12 mg / l (milligrams per litre) in men and between 4 and 10 mg / l for women. These values ​​may vary depending on the source.

The normal urinary creatinine clearance is between 107 and 139 ml / min (millilitres per minute) in men under 40, and between 87 and 107 ml / min in women under 40 years of age.

Nephrologist in Gurgaon says a high concentration of creatinine in the blood can be a sign:

  • From an impairment of renal function:
    • the presence of a kidney stone
    • ischemia, in the event of a drop in blood flow to the kidney
    • an infection
    • chronic kidney disease
    • kidney cancer in the most severe cases
  • heart failure
  • physical exhaustion
  • dehydration
  • of a muscular injury
  • or even more rarely, rhabdomyolysis (destruction of striated muscle tissue)

The Kidney specialist in Gurgaon says a high concentration of creatinine in the blood is associated with low urinary clearance. This is why the causes of low urinary creatinine clearance are the same as those mentioned above.

According to the best nephrologist in Delhi, low creatinine level in the blood may be the sign:

  • low muscle mass caused by muscular dystrophy or simply age-related
  • liver damage
  • or a pregnancy

Significant creatinine clearance may be a sign of carbon monoxide poisoning, or hypothyroidism.