Creatinine Blood Work Lab Test

A creatinine test is a blood test that measures the level of creatinine, a waste product produced by muscles, in the blood. The benefits of getting a creatinine test include:

Kidney function assessment: Creatinine is removed from the body by the kidneys, so a high level of creatinine in the blood may indicate impaired kidney function. A creatinine test can help to evaluate the kidney function and detect any kidney disease at an early stage.

Monitoring kidney disease: For individuals with known kidney disease, regular creatinine tests can help to monitor the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.

Medication dosing: Some medications, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and painkillers, can be toxic to the kidneys. A creatinine test can help to determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual based on their kidney function.

Screening for other conditions: In addition to kidney disease, a high level of creatinine in the blood can be a sign of other conditions, such as muscle disorders or an overactive thyroid gland. A creatinine test can help to identify these conditions.

Overall, a creatinine test is a useful tool in assessing kidney function and detecting and monitoring kidney disease.